THE dedicated work of one of Britain’s longest-serving police officers has been recognised in the Queen’s New Year Honours.

A distinguished 43-year career has seen Neil Malkin serve primarily with Durham Police, but more recently as a senior investigating officer with Operation Resolve, the criminal investigation into the 1989 Hillsborough football stadium tragedy in Sheffield.

Detective Chief Superintendent Malkin said he was taken aback to be awarded the Queen’s Police Medal, in the New Year’s Honours List.

“It was such a surprise. A letter came through the post on Christmas Eve telling me, very formally, I had been awarded the medal.

“To say I was pleased would be an understatement.

“It couldn’t have been a better Christmas present.

“I’m proud to do what I do and it’s such a privilege to be recognised in this way.”

The Sunderland-born officer became a police cadet in August 1973 and joined the Durham force as a frontline officer in June 1975, at the age of 18.

He first became a detective in the Wear Valley, before transferring to Durham CID, where he worked on some of the most difficult cases facing the force.

He was seconded to the North East Regional Crime Squad, in 1995, spending two years investigating serious and organised crime gangs operating across the region.

The knowledge gained helped him set up Durham’s own Major Crime Team, on his return to the force.

He helped to develop Durham’s nationally-acclaimed family liaison officer team.

Following promotion to detective superintendent rank in 2005 he led several major investigations, including both counter terrorism operations and high-profile homicide investigations.

Having spent 37 years with Durham Police, in December 2012 he was appointed to his new role with Operation Resolve, to look into the fateful FA Cup semi-final in which 96 Liverpool fans were killed and 766 others were injured, at Sheffield Wednesday’s Hillsborough stadium, in April 1989.

It was announced last year that two suspects are to stand trial in connection with events that day.

The now 62-year-old married father-of-two said he had been proud to be able to serve the public throughout his long career.

“It’s been a fantastic experience and I’ve enjoyed every single minute of it.

“It’s about constantly challenging yourself and setting new goals, which brings its own rewards.”

But he added he could not have offered such commitment to police service for more than 40 years without the support of his wife Angela and sons Daniel and Richard.