OFFICERS from Norfolk Constabulary have been honoured for their service to the force and acts of bravery at a special awards ceremony in Norwich.Yesterday the Commendation Awards Ceremony took place at The Great Hospital Halls in Bishopgate, Norwich.

OFFICERS from Norfolk Constabulary have been honoured for their service to the force and acts of bravery at a special awards ceremony in Norwich.

Yesterday the Commendation Awards Ceremony took place at The Great Hospital Halls in Bishopgate, Norwich.

In total 20 police officers and one member of the public were recognised with awards and commendations.

Those attending received Chief Constable Commendations, Judge's Commendations and Royal Humane Society Awards.

Chief Constable Ian McPherson, said: “Such awards clearly demonstrate the bravery shown by Norfolk's police officers who sometimes have to take extraordinary actions in their everyday role as well as ensuring the public are kept safe from harm. I also commend those members of the community who have shown immense courage in the face of great danger.”

Those presented with awards included; (Chief constable's commendation)DI Steve Davies; DS David Mytton; DS Michael Roxby; DC Neil Dye; DC Steve Hunt; PC Matthew Abbs.

This group received a Chief Constable's Commendation for providing innovative resolutions to problems presented by offenders committing high numbers of crimes within their community.

The officers were congratulated for providing an exceptional service to tackling prolific offenders and reducing crime.

Other award winners were DI Steve Davies; DS Peter Jessop; DC Stephen Matthews; PC David McCormack; PC Andy Brown; DC Steven Moseley; and Mr Gary Williamson.

This team received a Chief Constable's Commendation for their work under Operation RADAR, which was set up in July 2008 as a multi-agency approach to tackling door step crime including bogus callers, distraction burglars, rogue traders and the theft of heating fuel and metal.

The team, working alongside partnership agencies, have conducted a number of initiatives which has resulted in a 44pc drop in distraction burglaries and a 52pc drop in metal thefts for 2008 compared to 2007.

The group were congratulated for their professionalism and partnership approach in tackling the menace on doorstep crime preying on some of the oldest and most vulnerable members of the community.

Darren Huntington received a Royal Humane Society Award for his actions in saving the life of a 10-year-old girl when he grabbed a ferocious dog that was savaging the girl's leg.