PHP server saving attachments

I am trying to develop a system which includes an automated system which will use PHP to access its own POP3 email account, read any emails in the inbox, and save the contents to a database. Part of this system would ideally be able to handle attachments as well i.e. be able to save any attachment files (generally images) locally on the php server. Is it possible with PHP, to directly save an attachment as a local file. All the examples I have seen in my searches have been web based email systems, which use a web browser 'download dialog' for saving the file, which is not possible in a self-reading email system. Kevin Quick