DETECTIVES whose quick actions and thorough investigation successfully snared the armed robbers who brought terror to a jewellery shop in York's Shambles have received an award.

Detective Sergeant Mandy Grundy and Detective Constable Leah Wallhead were presented with Area Commander's Commendations at a ceremony in the city's Guildhall.

During the robbery at W Hamonds in March 2009 a female of staff was threatened with a handgun. The main offender was jailed for eight years.

The awards ceremony was held by North Yorkshire Police to honour the officers and staff whose dedication to their jobs have made York and Selby safer places to live.

Andy Sampson, a support worker with the Youth Offending Team, received an Area Commander's Certificate of Appreciation for saving the life of a man who was threatening to hang himself in September last year.

Mr Sampson was praised for his calm and professional manner in trying to persuade the 17-year-old to remove a noose from around his neck in his York home.

Other award-winners were Amy Fenwick, of Safer York Partnership, and Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) Jennifer McLaughlin, who received Certificates of Appreciation for their contribution to the success of Operation Altn8.

The three-month multi-agency initiative last summer reduced the number of violent incidents during the evenings in York city centre by nearly 19 per cent.

Acting Detective Chief Inspector Steve Smith, Det Con Peter Bentall, Det Con Steve Coates, David Hodgson and Det Sgt Andrew Clarke received the Crown Court Judge's Certificate of Commendation for their investigation into the supply of Class A drugs which saw two men jailed for seven years each.

Crime Scene Investigator Gemma Lynch was awarded an Area Commander's Certificate of Merit for her professionalism in dealing with a horrendous case of child neglect in October 2008.

Wayne Garbutt, a CCTV operator with the City of York Council, was awarded an Area Commander's Certificate of Appreciation for his dedication and diligence following an incident of sexual assault in October 2009.

Meanwhile, the two police officers who put together Operation Jumbo a comprehensive plan to tackle an increase in complaints of trespassing and poaching in the Selby area in 2009 were also honoured.

Police Constable Kevin Kelly received an Area Commander's Commendation and PCSO Laura Simpson was awarded an Area Commander's Certificate of Appreciation.

PC Stuart Davies and PC Mick Hickman were awarded Area Commander's Commendations for their actions at Cawood Bridge in October 2009, when a 16-year-old girl was threatening to throw herself into the river.

PC Hickman struck up a conversation with the girl who was sitting on one of the wooden bridge supports, while PC Davies approached her silently from behind and managed to grab hold of her before she could throw herself off.

Finally, PC Steve Armitage was awarded an Area Commander's Commendation for saving the life of a man who was theatening to jump off Selby Toll Bridge in August 2009.