POLICE officers and civilians who helped bring quadruple killer Mark Hobson to justice have received awards.

Earlier this year, Hobson was convicted of murdering twin sisters Claire and Diane Sanderson and elderly couple James and Joan Britton.

The bodies of the sisters were found in a flat in Camblesforth, near Selby, North Yorkshire, on July 18 las year.

Hours later, pensioners James and Joan Britton were found dead at their home in Strensall, York.

One of the region's biggest manhunts was launched and 34-year-old Hobson was arrested hiding in a North Yorkshire field a week later. He was convicted of all four murders at Leeds Crown Court in May and given a life-means-life sentence.

North Yorkshire Chief Constable Della Cannings presented awards to the men and women who caught and helped to convict the killer at a ceremony at Thirsk Racecourse yesterday.

Among those receiving awards was Detective Superintendent Javad Ali, who headed the investigation, and his deputy investigating officer, Detective Inspector Dai Malyn.

Derrick North, the garage owner whose call to the police finally led to Hobson's capture, was also honoured.

Hobson walked into the JD North service station on the A19, at Shipton-by-Beningbrough, north of York, to buy matches.

He was immediately recognised by owner Mr North, who called police.

In total, 54 detectives, members of the public, forensic experts, crime scene investigators, family liaison officers and other members of police staff received awards yesterday.

The six officers who led the investigation received certificates of merit for "outstanding leadership, professionalism, dedication and commitment shown in their role during Operation Chive, resulting in the arrest and conviction of Mark Hobson". They were Chief Constable Roger Baker, Detective Chief Superintendents Dick Mann and Steve Read, Detective Superintendents Javad Ali and Barry Honeysett, and Detective Inspectors Dai Malyn and Steve Maud.

A second group of officers received certificates of merit for their work to prepare the prosecution trial against Hobson. They were Detective Sergeants Steve Smith and Dave Pegg, and Detective Constables Trevor Dove, Glenn Goodwill, Dave Cockerill, Paul Radford, Andrew Abell and Andrew Wilman.