POLICE officers who handled a shooting in Leigh Sinton have been honoured at an awards ceremony.

The evening at Hindlip Hall recognised the outstanding commitment and dedication shown by a number of officers and staff above and beyond the call of duty.

Inspector Tanya Beckett and force control room Supervisors Chris Morgan and Nathan Pawley were among those commended for displaying excellent teamwork, leadership, professionalism and commitment, in relation to the handling of the shooting on October 5.

Chief Constable David Shaw and Deputy Chief Constable Simon Chesterman addressed those receiving the awards.

After the event Mr Shaw said: “This commendation evening is an opportunity to recognise and thank officers and staff for their outstanding contributions to policing.

“As a force, having individuals of such a high quality within our organisation is of great importance to us.

“I am extremely proud, and humbled, to hear about the outstanding difference that all these officers and staff have made in helping and protecting our communities.”

Others to receive commendations included intelligence analyst Richard Arthur, Crown prosecutor Alex Warren, Detective Inspector Gerry Smith and Detective Constable Joanne Bills.

They were part of the team that investigated a series of robberies which occurred across the Midlands in 2010, carried out by a gang of men.

The total value of the offences was more than £200,000 and violence was often used.

Following a seven-week trial, nine offenders received sentences totalling more than 100 years.

These sentences will undoubtedly prevent other victims from being targeted by this gang.

Other commendations included force control room supervisor Andy Smart and Adam Fowler.

Mr Smart was honoured for his communication and negotiation skills which helped talk a man down to safety who was intent in taking his own life by jumping from a bridge in Shrewsbury.

Mr Fowler, who works for one of the force’s contractors for vehicle recovery, was commended for the way he helped with two fatal accidents.

The commendation said he went far beyond what was expected of him in an effort to save the families of the victims from further distress.