POLICE chiefs and dignitaries gathered to pay tribute to Bolton bobbies' bravery and hard work.

Chief constable David Wilmot joined the town's divisional commander Chief Supt Mel Pelham and mayor Cllr Alan Wilkinson at Bolton Town Hall for the special ceremony last Monday.

Sgt Martin Cassie from Bolton was awarded the Chief Constable's Commendation after he courageously disarmed a man wielding a machete at a house in Stockport last September.

A Citation of Merit went to Sgt Martin Bell, 37, for his efforts to tackle Bolton drug dealers as head of a special unit for 18 months, during which time £2 million of narcotics and five guns were seized and 140 people arrested.

PC Phillip Waring received a Citation of Merit and a Royal Humane Society testimonial parchment after pulling two unconscious and petrol-soaked people from their car.

UK atomic energy constabulary Sgt John Lynn saved the life of a biker who he tended to when he was off-duty following a crash on Hulme Road in Stoneclough. He was presented with a St John Ambulance Award.

Long service and good conduct medals were also given to temporary inspector Kevin Fitzpatrick, 45, Sgt Gerard Baines, 41, and WPC Janet Ramsden, 41.

The special constabulary long service medal went to special constable Gail Terry, 34, and special constable Endure Fletcher.