A POLICE officer who has patrolled the streets of Bolton for the last 17 years as a member of the town's traffic unit is to be honoured for his dedication to duty.

PC David Newton is to receive the Matt Dyson Trophy, awarded annually in memory of a police officer who died from a freak viral infection in 1990 after celebrating his son's first birthday.

PC Newton, 43, will receive the award in recognition of his service to traffic policing and road safety.

The police officer, who has served 24 years in the force, is now the town's HGV enforcement officer.

In addition to his normal traffic duties he had tutored other members of the traffic unit's on the complexities of HGV enforcement and has compiled a booklet which may soon be made available to other police officers throughout the force area.

PC Newton said: "I feel very honoured. Although the award reflects the workload of my colleagues as well as myself."

PC Newton will receive the award from Bolton's police chief, Chief Supt John Bartlett, at a ceremony at Astley Bridge Police Station on November 1.

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