THE top of the cops enjoyed five minutes of fame when they stepped into the spotlight last month.

Vale Royal's finest took to the stage at Oaklands Hotel, Gorstage, to receive awards and certificates of commendation after making outstanding contributions to policing.

Exceptional officers and star staff members in units such as CID, Community Action Teams and finance were among those who picked up certificates handed out by Chf Supt Tim Jackson.

He said: "These officers and staff are a credit to the force. They have shown commitment, dedication and professionalism and I'm grateful to each and every one of them. Lots of work goes on day in, day out, by officers throughout Vale Royal. Much of this work goes on behind the scenes and many people have no idea just how hard officers and staff work."

Constabulary colleagues were not the only ones to receive an award in front of an audience of proud family members and friends - school teachers and a dog warden also took to the stage following their part in police work.