AN off-duty special constable who bravely intervened to help detain two men resisting arrest has been honoured.

Andrew Benjamin won Durham Police’s Special Constable of the Year Award for his part in the incident, in which he was punched in the face by one of the men during the struggle.

The incident happened in Durham in March last year, while SC Benjamin was still serving as a special with Lincolnshire Police.

He sprang into action when he noticed Inspector Leanne Thorns struggling to deal with the pair, one of whom had already assaulted another officer.

He rushed to support the inspector and, despite being punched himself, helped detain both men who were later charged with violent offences.

Insp Thorns said; “I have been extremely impressed with Andrew’s work.

“He displays an empathetic and understanding manner when dealing with victims of crime and portrays an excellent image of Durham Constabulary.”

He was one of a number of volunteer police officers recognised for their work over the last year at an awards ceremony.

The Specials Student of the Year award was presented to SC Mark Keveney, who works full-time in the force’s communications centre and scored 100 per cent in the Specials Policing Diploma.

The Team of the Year Award went to the officers covering Derwentside and Chester-le-Street, led by Acting Special Chief Inspector Hayley Gibson.

Other award-winners were SC Ross Moralee, based in Barnard Castle, SC Kate Price, the first female special to successfully complete the force’s public order training course, and SCs Dan Fisher and Laura Simpson-Jones, who were the first officers on the scene of a tragic incident where a young girl had hanged herself in her bedroom. Both officers not only attempted to resuscitate the girl, but dealt calmly with other family members who were clearly distressed.

Durham’s Police and Crime Commissioner Ron Hogg said; “Our Special Constables give up their free time to help make their community a safer place.

“They are an inspiration to others it is right that they are truly recognised for their hard work and valued contribution."