On 23 November 2003 Suzanne Gardiner, 39, from Yatton, took a call from a man in Wyndham Court, Bristol, who was armed with a gun.

There were fears the man posed a risk to himself and his family, who were inside the building with him.

But the mother-of-two talked to him for two hours, finally convincing him to put down the gun and leave the house.

'Dangerous situation'

His family were taken to safety and armed police arrested the man.

He was later found guilty of a breach of the peace and bound over to keep the peace.

Ch Supt John Buckley, head of communications, said: "Suzanne was able to engage the young man in conversation and was eventually able to persuade him to leave the gun in a safe place.

"Her persistence, patience and dedication ensured that a potentially dangerous situation was resolved peacefully and with minimum risk to all involved."

In recognition of her efforts, Ms Gardiner is to receive a letter of commendation from the Chief Constable.