POLICE officers based in St Albans took centre stage at a special awards ceremony at police headquarters in Welwyn Garden City.

Four officers were honoured, including PC Harry Kerby, who was presented with a Chief Constable's Commendation for his heroic actions in catching one of Bedfordshire's most prolific burglars.

PC Kerby, who lives in Luton, was out walking his dog when he spotted a man climbing out the window of a property and he chased the man despite being threatened with a knife.

Once PC Kerby had caught the offender, he identified himself as a police officer and tried to arrest him, but the man resisted and there was a violent fight when PC Kerby was kicked, punched and bitten.

However, he managed to restrain the man until other officers arrived.

The man has since been charged with four offences.

Sergeant James Bartlett was also given a Commendation for co-ordinating the operation leading to the capture of another prolific criminal, Gary Gibson, in Hemel Hempstead.

Both Sergeant Peter Lawrence and PC Paul Silom received Long Service Awards in appreciation of 22 completed years service.

Mr David Dobie, from Harpenden, who has completed 20 years in Scientific Services, also recieved the Long Service Award.