The award recipients with Chief Constable Paul West and Chief Superintendent Andy Rowsell.

Police officers from around Shropshire have received praise for their hard work and dedication to the job.

Among those singled out for praise at Monday’s commendation evening were Constable Tony Jones whose “determination, diligence and initiative” protected three young children from abuse in Whitchurch.

For close-up pictures of the winners, click here

The vulnerable youngsters were living with their parents when Constable Jones became concerned they were at serious harm from neglect.

He alerted various agencies and the children were rehomed into foster care. One of the children has since made disclosures that they were the victim of sexual abuse.

Also presented with an award was Constable Stuart Coote, based at Church Stretton, who saved a suicidal man on the railway lines at Monkmoor, Shrewsbury. Constable Coote held on to the man to protect him from an oncoming train.

Sergeant Simon Morris said: “I am certain that Mr Coote’s selfless actions and quick thinking saved the life of a man who was clearly intent on killing himself.”

Eight officers from Bridgnorth were also praised for their actions to overpower a man armed with a ceremonial sword in November 2007.

While 15 officers from Oswestry were thanked for their work on an investigation into the murder of Joseph Hayward, 50, who was found severely beaten on a walkway in Oswestry in December 2007.