POLICING excellence was rewarded in a ceremony at the Mansion House, in York.

The Lord Mayor of York, Coun Janet Hopton, presented commendations to police officers serving in York and Selby.

She was assisted by Chief Superintendent Iain Spittal, area commander for York and Selby, and Detective Superintendent Lewis Raw.

Ch Supt Spittal opened proceedings by praising the dedication, performance and commitment of the commended officers.

"All examples of policing excellence we are here to award relate to the heart of a police officer's job - protection of life and property," he said.

As reported in The Press yesterday, PC Samantha Bolland, DC Nicola Hancock and DC Peter Bentall were given a Crown Court Commendation from Judge Stephen Ashurst, for an investigation of a false allegation of serious sexual assault last year.

Other officers were awarded Area Commander's Commendations for professionalism in police work.

Coun Hopton said: "We realised many of these awards were for cases we read about in the news, but people do not realise the commitment involved.

"Seeing these awards being given brings home the dedication and skills our officers demonstrate in a wide variety of challenges.

"I am very proud and reassured to hear about the effort these professionals put into their work."