A fingerprint expert with Sussex Police has received an award for his "outstanding" contribution to fighting crime.
Bob Aitchison, 53, was awarded a Chief Constable's Commendation after helping to identify more than 300 fingerprints submitted to his lab in Brighton.
His contribution was so important he represented the force at a Downing Street reception to recognise Excellence in Policing.
The senior fingerprint officer was among 200 officers and civilian staff from around the country attending the reception hosted by Tony and Cherie Blair.
Mr Aitchison, of Lewes, said: "It was an honour to represent the force at Downing Street. We met Mr Blair briefly but he was busy. I think he had a few other things on his mind."
Last year, Mr Aitchison examined 861 case submissions to Sussex Police's Fingerprint Bureau and managed to identify 301 people.
The Chief Constable's Commendation is the highest honour within the force and is awarded to no more than a dozen or so officers a year. It is for excellence in work or action well above and beyond the call of duty.
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