If you thought Starsky and Hutch were the coolest cops in town, think again.

Nasty and Crutch, Brighton's answer to the Seventies TV duo, have caught so many criminals they've been put forward for an award.

The super-efficient crimefighters - real names PC Ben Gilbert and PC Lee Bryan, both 25 - have been nominated for divisional congratulations for making a record number of arrests, while working in Brighton Divisional Response.

The pair have battled violent criminals and snakes in drug dens to make 52 arrests since August.

Inspector Helen West, who nominated them, said: "They have balanced responding to emergencies with self-generated work and have displayed an exceptional level of self-motivation and commitment.

"They've arrested a wide range of offenders, including a drug dealer with 700 ecstasy tablets found during a search, car thieves, burglars and violent offenders."

PC Gilbert has worked in the force for four years and PC Bryan for five years.