THE police officer who supported the parents of a former Ledbury heroin user as they allowed a video of her dead body to be released, has been honoured by his peers.

PC Les Wilkinson has been awarded the Chief Constable's Commendation for his work in schools and has been described as a "shining example to the division".

He also received recognition for the way he worked with the parents of 21-year-old Rachel Whitear, who died of a drug overdose.

Her mother Pauline and stepfather Mick Holcroft have now allowed a 22-minute video, entitled Rachel's Story, to be released to raise awareness about the dangers of drugs.

It features the undergraduate's decomposing body lying in a dingy flat in Exmouth, Devon.

Mr Wilkinson was one of 12 staff members from the Hereford Division to receive commendations during a presentation night that was attended by Rachel's parents.

"Tonight has been about members of West Mercia Constabulary going that extra mile and I am immensely proud of all those receiving awards, in particular with all they have achieved in helping the community and keeping people safe," said Chief Constable Peter Hampson.

Divisional members also heard how PC Mick Westbrook waded up the treacherous River Wye to rescue a man who had fallen 50ft down the bank on to rocks.

Bleeding

The injured man was bleeding and suffered broken legs but PC Westbrook spent 45 minutes comforting him before he was stable enough to be moved.

Another officer who has acted with true professionalism was named as PC Cozy Powell who has been first on the scene of five sudden deaths during the past eight months.

Other officers receiving divisional commendations were DC Malcolm Summers whose painstaking attention to detail led to the detection of 50 house burglaries, Sgt Mike Doolan, for his excellent leadership skills, PC Mark Exley for a two-year investigation into the death of a lorry driver.

Other officers who were honoured included PC Mark Seal, PC Mark Graham who both carried out off-duty arrests.

Support staff who were commended were Barbara Kirk and Georgie Bates and two special constables, Pauline Robinson and Robert Tomkins, were praised for helping to organise identification parades.

PC Rob Chappell was presented the Sally Clive Award for dedication and commitment.