IDENTICAL twins Chris and David Peacock have been recognised for their outstanding contribution to policing in County Durham.

The brothers reluctantly called it a day as section officers with the Special Constabulary in Newton Aycliffe when they reached their 55th birthdays last October.

Yesterday, they were presented with engraved gold plaques by Durham Deputy Chief Constable Jon Stoddart, in recognition of a combined 54 years' unbroken service.

Chris was a Durham special for 18 months in the 1960s, but left to join the Ministry of Defence Police, in which he served for eight years.

David joined Cleveland Police, where his father was bandmaster, before switching to Durham in January 1976, ten months before his brother's return.

The pair have received a variety of awards. David was presented with a Chief Constable's Commendation and an award from the Society for the Protection of Life from Fire, for his part in the rescue of a couple and their four children from a house fire five years ago.

Chris received a Divisional Commander's Commendation when he completed 2,500 hours of voluntary service in a year.

He has been injured in the line of duty on four occasions and once had his nose broken and head cut after being hit in the face with a beer glass.

David was detained in hospital eight years ago after being hurt during a chase when a police car in which he was a passenger overturned.

Their striking likeness has often caused confusion among both colleagues and the criminal fraternity.

"We have both been involved in some right royal scrapes," said Chris