NORFOLK Constabulary held a Long Service and Good Conduct Awards Ceremony in Norwich last night. Nineteen people were honoured for their contribution to the police service with 12 police officers and seven members of police staff receiving awards.

NORFOLK Constabulary held a Long Service and Good Conduct Awards Ceremony in Norwich last night.

Nineteen people were honoured for their contribution to the police service with 12 police officers and seven members of police staff receiving awards.

The event was hosted by assistant chief constable Kevin Wilkins and the medals and certificates were presented by the Rt Hon Viscountess Knollys, the High Sheriff of Norfolk.

To qualify for the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal, police officers must have served 22 years while Special Constabulary officers are honoured for nine years 'willing and competent' voluntary service. For each additional 10 years' service, specials receive a bar which is added to their medal. For police staff the constabulary has initiated its own award of a certificate for 22 years loyal service.

In addition, one individual received an award for exceptional long service of 45 years.

Chief Constable Ian McPherson said: “This is a welcome opportunity to recognise the dedication shown by Norfolk's police officers, police staff and special constabulary officers over the years, and to thank them for all their commitment and hard work. We are also very grateful for the ongoing support of their family and friends. It was a great pleasure to have them attend this special occasion as well.”

The medal recipients were: temporary assistant chief constable Sarah Francis; chief superintendent Simon Bailey; PC Nigel Chapman; PC Nina Scott; Det Con Paul Jenkins; Det Con Kelvin Middleton; Sgt Alison McCullough; John Clarke; Jane Betts; Christopher Hadaway; Lesley Hudson; Sara Howard; Cedric Smith, and Michael Kemp.

Special constables receiving awards were Kenneth Abel; Steven Kaye; Terence Lake; and Richard Sims.