HEREFORD Times journalists were among those recognised at the West Mercia Police’s Divisional Awards.

News editor Ian Morris and his deputy Mark Bowen were given the High Sheriff’s Commendation for running the newspaper’s Safer Driving Campaign.

The pair started the project after an alarming rise in serious accidents involving young people on the county’s roads.

Both completed the Institute of Advanced Motorists’ course while Mark wrote a series of articles on road safety.

AA man Dave Harford also picked up the same award after he stopped to help a family whose car had overturned on the A4103 Hereford to Worcester road.

The Honourable Gilbert Greenall, High Sheriff of Herefordshire and Worcestershire, presented the awards at the Town Hall on Thursday.

Community Support Officer Crispin Abel, PC Andy Larkin, DC Philippa Johnson, PS Tim Dugmore, DC Sharon Parry and PC Donna Pearson were also recognised with Divisional Commendations by Chief Superintendent Mark Turner.

Lynne Renton and Dr Alison Budd were awarded Chief Constable’s Commendations for their input into a case involving a baby in Hereford County Hospital.

DS Callie-Ann Bradley, Supt Kevin Purcell and Assistant Chief Constable Simon Chesterman also received the honour for dealing with the very sensitive case, which saw the child taken into care.