A DETECTIVE Inspector who has led North Yorkshire Police's fight against sex abuse has won recognition in the Queen's Birthday Honours.

DI Karen Warner has been awarded the Queen’s Policing Medal for distinguished service after serving in the force for almost 30 years, and working to safeguard children and adults who have been victims of abuse, neglect, serious sexual crimes and domestic abuse.

She is also a trained negotiator, and has worked as a Family Liaison Officer and Coordinator, working with families affected by high profile criminal cases and disasters, and said she was shocked and proud to have been honoured.

She said: "People sometimes ask me what it is like to have worked in safeguarding for so long, because it is a demanding and emotional area to work in. But early on in my career I was fortunate to find my niche in working with, and on behalf of, victims and their families.

"As an officer, I often meet people at the worst possible time, and the fact that they have allowed me into their lives to work with them in such difficult circumstances has always been a privilege.

"I’m really humbled by this award, which is as much for my family and colleagues as it is for me. I’ve had the opportunity to work with dedicated colleagues within the police and other agencies, and I’m so lucky to have the support of my children and my family. Without their support I would have been unable to do what I do."

Meanwhile, Police Constable Jonathan Rushton, who retired last October, is being made an MBE for services to policing, following a nomination by a member of the public.

Mr Rushton worked in a range of policing roles, including as part of a specialist dive team, and as an expert in crime, missing person and counter terrorism people searches, and he said the work of search and rescue teams had become more visible following recent tragedies.

He said: "Search and rescue teams are unpaid volunteers, but they have a pivotal role to play in an investigation, so you need that bond of trust between the search teams and the police.

"I’m proud that I helped to build that relationship in North Yorkshire. I’ve moved on from the police service now, but it is a great end to my police career and I am humbled to receive this award."