The officers who brought down a prolific armed robber were among those given awards at a police ceremony.

Chief Superintendent Graham Bartlett praised the work of his officers as he handed out the Brighton and Hove divisional awards at the Crew Club in Whitehawk on Friday.

Detective Inspector Ian Still was given the Outstand ing Leadership Award for leading the operation which resulted in capturing so- called Elvis robber Martin Reilly, who was handed a life sentence after admitting 15 charges, including robbery, attempted robbery and possession of an imitation firearm.

DI Still said: “It is recognition of all the hard work that the whole team did to achieve this result. “We took a dangerous individual off the streets.

“He was clearly going to continue committing offences and needed to be stopped. The importance cannot be under- estimated.”

Congratulations were given to Assistant Detective Superintendent Cheryl Lewendon, Detective Constable Jane Walker, Detective Constable Suzanne Maclintock, Trainee Detective Constable Elizabeth Simpson, Heather Tolley and PC Jay Cooper for their work in capturing Reilly.

The audience of officers, families and friends heard about the courage and bravery of a team of PCs dealing with a burglary in progress.

PC Llew Ap Elfed was one of those commended and described how the suspect was a prolific burglar who was wearing gloves and socks over his shoes to avoid detection.

Mr Bartlett said: “Every time we do these I am staggered by what is going on day in day out, the detail of the dedication and courage.

“It is really important to recognise in a small way the good work they do.”