TWO North-East policewomen have been dubbed the Dynamic Duo - by colleagues in the US - for their part in cracking an international drugs ring.

Detective Sergeant Becky Driscoll and Detective Constable Gill Matthews are so highly thought of in the States that they were flown to Denver to be presented with the Excellence in Performance award, at the annual conference of the International Association of Women Police.

The officers were their nickname at the award presentation, where they were described as "role models".

The two crimefighters played an integral part in an operation which uncovered a drugs syndication spanning the US, Europe and Australia.

The criminals ran a global internet operation supplying chemicals to more than 100 illegal crystal meth production cells.

Cleveland's Chief Constable, Sean Price, who saw the officers honoured in Denver, said: "They have brought great pride to this force and are role models for all officers and staff - male or female - and anyone wishing to join the police force.''

The two detectives, who are based in Middlesbrough, worked closely with police in Scotland and the US Drug Enforcement Agency to smash the internet crime ring. The operation initially started as a low-key affair. It was discovered that chemicals for the production of the deadly drugs were entering the UK through the port at Grangemouth, between Edinburgh and Glasgow.

The operation is still ongoing with further arrests to be made.

Mr Price praised the officers at Cleveland Police's annual Gender Agenda development day for women officers, at the Oakwood Centre, Eaglescliffe, near Stockton.

He told the assembly there were many other examples of outstanding work by female officers and staff within Cleveland Police and he wanted to ensure continued fair opportunity for all by tackling any discrimination within the force.

He said: "At Cleveland, we are committed to supporting the professional development of staff in all ranks and grades every day of the year, there are no glass ceilings. I want to hear from anyone who feels unfair barriers have been placed in their way or has any suggestion as to how we, as a force, could improve because the end result is a better service for the public."