A police constable who ran a mile to a domestic violence incident because he did not have a driving permit has been honoured for going beyond the call of duty.

Twenty-five Sussex Police staff working in the former East Downs division were congratulated for their outstanding work on Friday.

They included rookie PC David Wright, who ran to the domestic violence call-out.

PC Wright, who had only joined the force ten months earlier, remained in control until assistance arrived an hour later when he took the suspects into custody where they were cautioned for assault.

Detective Inspector Martin Sapwell was honoured for developing a "small but effective" CID team in Lewes district.

The citation said the district was the best performer in overall detections and burglary detections within Sussex Police.

Other officers were feted for dealing with difficult situations on the frontline.

They included PC Sarah Taylor, who was involved with a fatal stabbing just days into her job.

She was given the task of initial family liaison officer to a woman and her family following the murder.

The citation read: "Despite having only a few days' operational experience as a neighbourhood policing team officer, she provided reassurance and acted as a vital point of contact during the initial stages of this murder investigation."

PCs Gary Pinyoun, Tony Haines, Ali Batchelor and Esme Taylor were honoured for dealing with a would-be suicide.

They were called to an address in Willingdon, Eastbourne, on October 26 following reports that a man was intent on hanging himself. The four officers were said to have worked effectively to rescue the man, who was taken to hospital without coming to serious harm.

A senior doctor said it was only due to the quick actions of the officers that the man did not die or suffer long-term injury.

PCs Michaela Gibson and Billy Taylor acted swiftly to help a man found hanging in Eastbourne on July 30 to regain consciousness.

PCs Mark Davis and Steve Austin showed efficiency in dealing with a serious case of ongoing harassment involving an elderly victim.

PCs Luke Reynolds, Stephen Turner, Robert Hampson, Mark Bloxam and Dale Marklew were among others receiving awards.

They were honoured alongside police community support officer Stephen Cunliffe, who was praised for his dedication and commitment.

Colleagues Karen Juniper and Mark Knight were also mentioned.

Steve Parsons, Carol Kingdom, Alan Burr, Edward Richards and Veronica O'Brien were among the civilian staff mentioned in citations.