The actions of quick-thinking police support staff who stepped in after a man doused himself with petrol and threatened to strike a match were recognised at a ceremony in York today.

Civilian workers Mike Marley and Don Jamieson successfully defused a tense stand-off outside Fulford Police Station when a man threatened to seriously harm himself in January.

Today Mr Marley and Mr Jamieson, who comforted the distressed man until help could arrive, were awarded an area commander's commendation.

They were among a dozen police officers, civilian staff and a member of the public who were presented with an award by the Lord Mayor of York, Coun Chas Hall, at the Guildhall.

York and Selby area commander, Chief Superintendent John Lacy, said the awards recognised some "extraordinary" police work, that went beyond the call of duty.

He said: "We often take for granted the good work carried out by officers and members of staff and indeed members of the public every day.

"My officers and staff often work under difficult, dangerous, stressful and sensitive situations and I am delighted to be able to give these commendation awards."

York resident James Clark was honoured for his work in bringing two thieves to justice after they stole a till from a corner shop, near Rose Street, in November last year.

Despite suffering a nasty blow to the head and being threatened by the youths, Mr Clark gave descriptions which helped police track them down and make arrests.

Sergeant Bob Chambers received a commendation after apprehending a youth by dragging him from a vehicle - which had just been used to ram his patrol car three times.

As a result of the incident, near Dillons newsagents, Haxby, the 17-year-old youth received an 18-month sentence in a Youth Detention Centre and a training order.

The intelligent work of Police Constables Colin Sutherland and Suzanne Asquith stopped one of York's most prolific burglars in his tracks and helped put him behind bars for five years.

The two officers caught the man, who was armed with a screwdriver, red-handed after choosing to attend a reported burglary in Acomb Wood Drive on foot, via a back alley.

Painstaking work by PC Richard Ogden towards identifying a woman caught on CCTV selling stolen goods led to her arrest and the recovery of a large amount of jewellery.

The officer was then able to track down 20 burglary victims, via an appeal in the Evening Press, and reunite them with their possessions, some of which were of great sentimental value.

Updated: 14:37 Thursday, June 12, 2003