HONOURS for courage, policing excellence and long service were given out to cops and civilians alike at an awards ceremony.

In total, 26 awards and medals were presented to recognise contributions to keeping Dorset safe at the event in Wimborne on May 17.

Nominations for the winners were made by colleagues within Dorset Police as well as endorsements from partner agencies in the community.

Chief Constable Debbie Simpson and High Sheriff Sir Philip Williams presented the awards which included the Police Long Service and Good Conduct Medal, Police Staff Long Service Medal, Chief Constable's Commendations, Crown Court Commendations, certificates of service and the Royal Humane Society Award.

Mrs Simpson said: "These awards are a wonderful opportunity to recognise the hard work, professionalism and selflessness that our officers and staff contribute to Dorset Police, as well as the quick thinking and brave actions of members of the general public.

"All individuals are to be commended for their contribution to keeping Dorset safe, often in highly stressful or traumatic situations."

Sergeant Adrian Wyncoll, of Weymouth police, was presented with a long service and good conduct medal along with Inspector Matthew Baxter and Chief Inspector Dean O'Connor.

Superintendent Steve Torr received the chief constable's commendation for his work implementing the complex South West regional forensics collaboration project.

Constables Marc Newman, Alan O'Brien, Steven Morris and Portland PCSO Nicholas Bool were also awarded commendations for their efforts to resuscitate a pregnant woman.

Their conduct was described as exemplary by the duty doctor at the hospital to which she was taken.

The Royal Humane Society Award recognises acts of bravery in the saving of human life and for the restoration of life by resuscitation.

It was presented to a member of the public for his actions during an accident whilst felling a large tree which trapped his co-worker.

He worked to cut away part of the trunk that trapped his colleague and administered first aid to the injuries.

His actions were praised by paramedics who arrived at the scene.

Four police officers were recipients of the same award: Constables Claire Jephcott and Michael Gatfield and gave CPR to a man who had collapsed due to cardiac arrest, their action enabling the man to make a full recovery.

Sergeant Robbie Jephcott and Constable Daniel Blagden. were given the honour for sustained and calm efforts to resuscitate a man who had collapsed and was unresponsive at an address in Poole.

Police staff long service medals were awarded to Paula Chaffey, Sandy Taylor, Louise Johnson, Angela Skinner and Jenny Dale.