A BRIDPORT acting police sergeant has spoken of his pride after receiving an award for good conduct and long service.

Acting Sergeant Geraint Butler of Bridport police station received the Police Long Service and Good Conduct Medal. It was in recognition of his 20 years of committed police service, during which he demonstrated "exemplary conduct on many occasions".

Dorset Police said that recently Acting Sgt Butler and a colleague were assaulted during an arrest. He remained on shift for several extra hours to ensure the welfare of his colleague was addressed and the relevant evidence was secured.

Acting Sgt Butler was among the members of Dorset Police staff praised at an award ceremony celebrating long service, bravery and good conduct. He received his award from the High Sherriff of Dorset, Sir Philip Williams.

Sgt Butler said: "In relation to the long service and good conduct medal, I am proud to have served as a police officer for that amount of time, both in Gwent Police and now in Dorset Police.

"I still believe that being a police officer is the best job in the world, where you meet a wide range of people and have a chance to genuinely help people when they encounter difficulties in their lives or are affected by criminality.

"After 20 years, I still enjoy it and am proud to say that I am still a front line officer."

A Special Constable who helped saved a man's life in Dorchester was also honoured with an award. Special Constable Ben Turner leapt into action last December when a 75-year-old man fell from his bicycle and suffered a cardiac arrest.

Thanks to his and other colleagues' efforts in resuscitating him, the man survived and was able to spend Christmas with his family.

He received a Royal Humane Society Award.

Last year, Mr Turner and a colleague had gone to the man's aid after he collapsed on the night of Dorchester Christmas Cracker.

The pair worked on the man, giving him CPR and rescue breaths, for around 10 minutes before more officers and paramedics arrived.

A police spokesman said: "The cyclist was revived and taken to hospital to receive further treatment. Both officers visited the man in hospital where they were thanked by him and his daughter. Without their prompt and decisive actions, he may not have survived."

Deputy Chief Constable James Vaughan said: “It is always a real honour to attend these award ceremonies and celebrate the commitment, professionalism and overall hard work of our police officers and staff.

“It is also a fantastic opportunity to recognise the quick and brave actions of members of the public.

“All the recipients thoroughly deserve their awards and should be highly commended for their help in keeping Dorset safe.”