LITTLE did Luke Simms know that when he went to work on May 19 that hours later he would be fighting for his life on the operating table of Frimley Park Hospital, having to be resuscitated twice.

The detective constable had been stabbed during an incident while carrying out a routine enquiry at Coral Bookmakers in Birch Hill relating to the investigation of abductions of teenage girls in Bracknell.

Although still recovering from his life-threatening injury, he is already back at work, working in the Priority Crime Team at Bracknell police station.

His courageous tale prompted a standing ovation, gasps of shock and tears of admiration as he walked up to the stage to collect his Pride of Bracknell Award for public hero on Thursday.

After receiving the award, the 35-year-old said: "This was very unexpected. It has been tough, but I have had a lot of support from colleagues and friends who have got me through it.

"I am glad to be back at work and I just want to make our community better." DC Simms has been a police officer in Bracknell for the past eight years and he said he considers the town to be a safe place.

He added: "It is an exciting job. Each day you are faced with doing something different.

"It is also a very important job because you are dealing with people's lives. I enjoy this job because I want to make a difference and it is about making the community safer." DC Simms was nominated by chief inspector Simon Bowden who said that the bravery DC Simms showed during and after the incident made him proud.

Ch Insp Bowden said: "I can honestly say that not a week goes by without somebody in my team making me proud.

"And the receiver of this award goes all the way to make me proud.

"He is not someone to just stand by. He is now working back in the priority crime team and is still recovering." Kes Nattriss, 28, of no fixed abode, denies robbery and attempted murder. His trial at Reading Crown Court is on November 29.