A POLICE officer who received a bravery commendation in September has been banned from entering pubs and clubs in a town for a year.

PC Richard Baranovsky was named on a list of 11 people banned by Harrogate Pubwatch. The group operates a system which means a ban from one pub or club means a ban from all in the town.

PC Baranovsky has now been moved from his policing duties in Ripon to the York area.

A spokesman for North Yorkshire Police confirmed that an officer had been investigated following an alleged incident in licensed premises in Harrogate. The officer was not on duty when the alleged incident took place.

The spokesman said: "It would be inappropriate for North Yorkshire Police to comment on decisions made by non-police organisations.

"We can confirm that following an alleged incident in licensed premises in Harrogate, an inquiry was conducted by North Yorkshire Police Complaints and Professional Standards Department.

"The officer, who is the subject of that inquiry, has not been suspended from duty and is not currently stationed at Harrogate."

Chief Inspector Chris Chelton, who is based in Harrogate, confirmed yesterday that the officer involved was PC Baranovsky.

He said that the Pubwatch scheme was something the police encouraged.

The group works with the police to monitor clubs and pubs in the town and aims to improve standards in licensed premises, while targeting people who are seen as problematic.

PC Baranovsky received a commendation in September for showing dedication, courage and bravery in the face of danger.

He was stabbed while tackling a man who had refused to allow police to enter his home in Ripon.