A Stafford policeman who helped save the life of a five-year-old girl knocked down by a car was among dozens honoured for their bravery and dedication.

Pc Nigel Clewley took charge of the scene on the Wolverhampton Road in December after little Catherine-Louise Burrows and her mother were knocked down in December.

The accident caused chaos in the town centre, but the officer stayed calm, even driving the ambulance to the University Hospital of North Staffordshire while two paramedics battled to save the child.

Pc Clewley picked up Most Meritorious was among officers, support officers and members of the public who were presented with awards by Chase Division former Commander Nick Howe at a special ceremony at the Tillington Hall Hotel yesterday.

Another was Essington beat bobby Darren Munnerley, who brought two yobs to justice for a brutal knife attack on a horse in the village.

Maggie the piebald mare had to be put down after the savage attack last April, which saw 19-year-old Matthew Corfield of Wednesfield jailed for five months and his co-accused Alex Lister, also 19, given a community order.

Picking up the Contribution to Rural Policing award, he thanked residents, colleagues Pc Sean Hinsley and Pc Terry Foster for their “considerable”help during the probe.

Pc Munnerley said: “It was a very difficult inquiry because there was very little evidence to start with and the offenders decided not to comment in interview. But it was a case of being tenacious and methodical throughout and it got a result.

“Without the public, we wouldn’t have got anywhere.”

Rugeley’s Neil Winter picked up Special Constable of the year and was congratulated by his proud children James, aged seven, and Rebecca, aged nine.

Son James even wore his father’s police hat as they posed for photographs in the picturesque grounds of the hotel.

Other recipients were armed response officer Jez Reynolds, 14-year-old Sam Clark, who helped set up a kids activity scheme in Norton Canes which has led to a significant reduction in crime and anti-social behaviour.

A team of three control room staff and two women officers were honoured for saving a Cannock man who was on the point of hanging himself.

The Preservation of Life Award was given to Adam Moore, Kate Spooner and Amanda Marshall from the Southern area control room.

The team which tackled high levels of crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour in the Quinton area of Great Wyrley was recognised for their achievements.

They launched the Quinton ESCAPE project which involved a partnership with a number of other agencies, coming up with a variety of schemes to reduce crime and which won second prize in a national competition.