LONG-SERVING special constables and police officers were recognised for outstanding work at a presentation ceremony on Tuesday.

Special constables Jon Finch, Alan Petrie, Rachel Spanswick, Nigel Todd, Shaun Weston and Justin Whatley all received long service medals along with acting section officer Julian Sims.

Two chief constables' certificates of merit were awarded to divisional officer David Clark and acting section officer Paul Lewis for the way they handled an horrific road accident on the A36 Warminster Bypass in June 2001. The head-on smash, which involved an articulated lorry and a VW Golf, killed a family of four.

For helping officers gain valuable experience in the police force, acting section officer Lewis also received the chief constable's annual prize. He has been the driving force behind the operation of Divisional Crime Vehicle trips on Friday and Saturday evenings.

This has helped new officers recognise problems in towns and villages in the region.

He also helps special constables brush up their computer skills.