Award-winning police chief hails work of his colleagues

Mr Price was awarded the Queen's Police Medal and became the first officer from Cleveland to receive the honour in 13 years.

But the chief constable was quick to pay tribute to the officers and civilian staff in the force for helping him gain the recognition.

Mr Price, 48, was awarded the medal for "distinguished service" having spent a working life as a police officer.

Born in Liverpool, he joined his native Merseyside force in 1979 direct from Queen Mary College University, London.

In 1998, Mr Price was appointed assistant chief constable of Nottinghamshire, and in March 2003 took over as chief constable of Cleveland Police.

In the past year, his Putting People First strategy has resulted in large falls in crime and improved service to the public as well as significant efficiency savings.

During his time at the helm of Cleveland, Mr Price has had to tackle a financial black hole and restore public confidence and staff morale in a force rocked by a series of scandals and investigations.

But only last month, Mr Price told The Northern Echo he felt the force had finally turned the corner.

Commenting on the award last night, he said: "This is a reflection of the hard work and dedication shown by the police officers and staff of Cleveland Police over the past two years.

"It is an award for the whole force and I am extremely honoured to accept it on that basis. We have turned the corner and I am delighted we are being recognised for that.

"Of course I have had a lengthy career, but the work in Cleveland and the people who have put in that hard work are the reasons we are being recognised."

Mr Price learned of the award two weeks ago and admitted it has been tough keeping the good news to himself.

The last Cleveland officer to receive the Queen's Police Medal was PC Jim Darley, who was awarded it in 1992 in recognition of the links he forged with the ethnic community in Middlesbrough.