POLICE officers who have gone above and beyond the call of duty have had their good work rewarded.

And one member of the public got in on the act too.

Supt Andy Tatam last night handed out certificates of merit to officers who have carried out sterling work and one 16-year-old member of the public who helped catch a burglar.

Mr Tatam said: "It's a fantastic opportunity to recognise some of the superb achievements of our staff for a range of work where they have saved lives, carried out excellent quality investigations and supported people who are often at the lowest point in their lives.

"The awards given out are really quite humbling and represent police work at its best.

"What's made it even more special has been the opportunity to present a member of the public with an award for his support and assistance in helping us identify an offender for serious offences."

Mr Tatam said the award for the 16-year-old Churchfields pupil was particularly pleasing.

"Young people often unfairly get a bad press and young Charlie demonstrates that there are many good young people around," he said.

DC Kevin Golledge and criminal justice investigator Donna Rose were awarded the certificates for their part in bringing Darren Hakaansen to justice.

The 37-year-old, of Penhill Drive, was last month found guilty of attempted murder, rape, kidnap, false imprisonment and of making threats to kill after subjecting a former partner to an terrifying ordeal.

DC Golledge said: "It was obviously horrific for the victim. It was a long investigation with lots of inquiries. The result was the main thing for the victim because it was domestic-related and a lot of these crimes go unreported and she had the courage to come forward."

Sgt Neil Parsons was given the award for saving a man's life. He was called to a report of a man threatening to jump off the Brunel car park and after talking to him for more than 25 minutes he managed to haul him back from the edge of the building.

Sgt Glenn Bremner, Sgt Graham Copestake and Geoff Hicks were recognised for their work giving conflict resolution training to door staff throughout the town.

Insp Adrian Burt, Det Sgt Deb Waters and Det Con Emma Barnett were awarded for their part in preventing a father of two kill his children and subsequently seeing him jailed.

PCs David Lockwood and Gerald Clifton were recognised for their bravery in arresting a knifeman and protecting him from an angry mob.

The man had stabbed someone in a club in Swindon and the two officers saw him being chased by a group of men.

They arrested him and kept the mob at bay.

PC Lockwood said: "It's nice to be recognised but it wasn't anything that anybody else wouldn't have done in the same situation."

Mr Tatam said: "It's a range of work where each and every one example is something where people have gone over and above what may be considered routine.

"These are the jobs that when you read about them and see what's gone on it shows the quality and support that we are providing to members of the public in Swindon."