A WHOLE host of top cops have been rewarded at a prestigious ceremony for their sterling efforts in the line of duty.

West Mercia Police presents the awards each year in recognition of those whose work has made a significant contribution to the communities they serve.

And officers from across the force area - including ones based in Ledbury, Worcester, Droitwich, Malvern, Stourport-on-Severn and Evesham - were among those nominated.

Among those awarded were Ledbury Community Support Officer (CSO) Alison Dore - one of the first CSOs to be appointed by the force - who has worked with residents to tackle anti-social behaviour, supporting several Neighbour-hood Watch groups and Ledbury Youth First.

She received the High Sheriff's Millennium Trophy, recognising outstanding service to the communities of West Mercia.

And headquarters-based dog handler PC Neil Armstrong - together with police dog Storm - picked up the award for Dog Handler Team of The Year.

The officers were presented with their awards at a ceremony hosted by Chief Constable Paul West at force headquarters in Hindlip Hall, Hindlip on Monday evening.

Chief Constable West said: "It's wonderful to be able to recognise these officers' achievements through the presentation of these awards.

"This important ceremony is an opportunity to show our staff and the communities in which they live and work how much pride we take in the service they provide."

The awards were presented by the Lord Lieutenants of Herefordshire, Sir Thomas Dunne, and Shropshire, Alger-non Heber-Percy; and High Sheriffs Andrew Grant (Herefordshire and Worces-tershire) and Michael Lowe (Shropshire).

Paul Deenan, chair of West Mercia Police Authority, said: "The news crime continues to fall and detections have increased across the force area is a reflection of the hard work and dedication shown by all members of staff.

"These awards are an excellent opportunity to publicly acknowledge the achievements of just some of the quality people working every day to make West Mercia a safer place in which to live and work."

HERE'S SOME OF THE WINNERS...

High Sheriff's Trophy

Special Constable David Drew, Wychavon - section officer based at Droitwich.

l David head a team of 16 specials and has co-ordinated their work at events including carnivals and Remembrance Day parades.

l He is also involved in managing traffic control at Worcester Rugby Club, provides high-profile patrols and gives 45 hours every month on average to his voluntary duties as a special.

Special Constable

Probationer of the Year

Special Constable Phil Gulliver, Malvern.

l Phil joined West Mercia in March 2004 and has since volunteered for around 30 hours a month on duty in and around Malvern.

l He is committed to developing his own skills and knowledge and has made a number of arrests since joining.

Police Constable Probationers Cup/Mary Court Award

PC Mark Jones, Herefordshire Division.

l Mark joined the force in 2003 and consistently performs above average in terms of arrests and detections.

l Formerly working on Hereford Crime Desk, he is committed to providing an effective service to the public and his colleagues and has been praised in letters from members of the public.

Runner up: PC Wayne Hurley, Worcester city.

l Wayne joined the force in 2003 and has since done a great deal to contribute towards the successful performance of the division.

l He takes a proactive approach to education and enforcement and has made 84 arrests.

Wychavon Trophy

PC Tom Iddon, Evesham.

l Tom has been beat manager for the rural area of the Evesham sector for the last five years and has just retired.

l Recognising the need for youth facilities, he worked closely with Broadway Parish Council and the community to raise funds for a skateboard park.

l He was also instrumental in compiling a newsletter in different languages for immigrant communities.