Police officers, staff, special constables, volunteers and members of the local community from across West Sussex have all been recognised for their outstanding contribution to policing over the past year in an awards ceremony held on Monday (2 July).

Award recipients from Adur and Worthing, Arun, Chichester, Crawley, Horsham and Mid Sussex districts were invited to the ceremony at Arundel Castle to receive their awards and acknowledge the achievements of their colleagues and members of the public.

Presentations were awarded by the High Sheriff of West Sussex Caroline Nicholls, Chief Constable Giles York and Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne.

Officers who were recognised included Sergeant Matthew Songhurst and Christopher Bryant who were given a Divisional Congratulations for local policing after they bravely faced a man with a sword in the street.

In February this year, the pair were sent to Worthing after reports were received of a man brandishing a sword at people on bicycles.

The quick-thinking duo put themselves between the suspect and the members of the public and the pair were able to calmly diffuse the situation and remove the weapon.

The man was arrested and given an eight month custodial sentence, suspended for 18 months.