A WRITER has been honoured with a lifetime achievement award.
Peter Walker, who writes the Countryman's Diary column under the name of Nicholas Rhea for the Darlington and Stockton Times, a sister paper of The Northern Echo, received the accolade at the Yorkshire Rural Awards.
Mr Walker, a former inspector with North Yorkshire Police, also wrote the Constable books that inspired the hit TV drama Heartbeat.
He was honoured for his "years of hard work and dedication to his craft".
The awards were set up to recognise successful small and large businesses, community groups and individuals in rural Yorkshire.
Mr Walker, 72, said: "I was most surprised and delighted."
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