Sergeant Richard Vernon has won two awards in the first ever South Yorkshire Police's Leaders in Action Awards.

Sgt Vernon, based in Edlington, won the Brian Moseley award as well as the events biggest gong the leaders in action award - the winner of which is chosen from officers who won the other awards.

The Brian Moseley celebrates dynamic policing and is in memory of Brian Moseley - a chief superintendent of South Yorkshire Police who died suddenly in 1985.

Sgt Vernon and his team deployed methods such as using night vision goggles to catch burglars making their getaway down dark alleyways.
The Edlington safer neighbourhood team has also helped tackle underage drinking and juvenile nuisance.

On winning the Brian Moseley award Sgt Vernon said: "This award means so much, it is a great reflection of all of the team's work in Edlington."

Sgt Geordie Mackell of Doncaster's tactical tasking team was crowned police officer of the year.

In the last two-and-a-half years the team has arrested more than 2,000 offenders and recovered more than £4million of drugs, cash, property and vehicles.

Sgt Mackell said: "Our successful operations have been down to a huge team effort. Our team in Doncaster have used practically every department in South Yorkshire Police including firearms, dogs, traffic and mounted sections."

Officers from the borough were also rewarded certificates of commendation for their work following last summer's floods.

The awards held at the Brooklands Hotel, Barnsley on Friday were presented by TV news presenter Harry Gration.

The winners were nominated by their colleagues.