TWO police officers have been rewarded for going the extra mile after thieves stole a bicycle belonging to an 11-year-old boy.

PCs Tanya Ratcliffe and Paul Canvin, who work in the Crook area of County Durham, won the WOW! What a Team Award at the Gala Awards Ceremony, in London, earlier this month.

When the youngster was a victim of theft in July last year the officers approached the Halfords store in Bishop Auckland to see if there was anything that could be done.

The store boss agreed and organised a replacement bike, complete with safety equipment and security markings.

The nomination from Sergeant Sue Howard said: “Following this and seeing the positive impact it had on the family, they have come up with an idea of trying to do something for one victim of crime each month to make a positive difference to them or their families.

“In order to do this, they look at the jobs they’ve dealt with in the last month and then try to arrange something to make a difference to the family.

"They have done this without any ulterior motive and without seeking any recognition, awards or publicity.

“I believe this is reflective of Tanya and Paul’s desire to go that extra mile and make a difference to the public they deal with on a daily basis. I believe it is worthy of recognition.”

Other gestures have included organising a spa day for an assault victim which left the family in tears upon hearing the news, and arranging gym sessions with an instructor for a woman who has undergone spinal surgery after she was seriously injured in a road traffic collision.

PC Ratcliffe said: “The job can be tough sometimes and can leave you feeling deflated but we have the opportunity to help people.

"We can’t solve all crimes and fix everyone’s problems but if we leave someone feeling better and showing them that we do care, then it is all worthwhile.”