TWO police officers who helped defend world leaders at an international summit will be rewarded for their bravery.

PC Dave Wheeler and PC Ian McIntosh, of North Yorkshire Police, will both receive Chief Constable's Commendations for their actions at the G8 Summit in July 2005.

The pair were stationed at an observation post on the perimeter fence which formed part of the security zone for the summit at Gleneagles, in Perthshire.

A force spokesman said: "Despite the risk of serious injury to both officers and their dogs, in company with other colleagues, the officers moved a large group of protesters back through a breach in the perimeter fence, preventing them from entering the Gleneagles security zone.

"Despite coming under fire from a hail of rocks and boulders thrown by the protestors, the officers remained in position, allowing other units to don protective equipment and close the breach in the fence, maintaining the integrity of the security zone."

PCs Wheeler and McIntosh won't be the only ones receiving awards - a raft of other officers will also receive Long Service and Good Conduct Awards, which are issued at the discretion of the chief constable after an officer has completed 22 years' service.

They include:

* PC John Hebblethwaite, who started his career with South Yorkshire Police in 1984, transferring to North Yorkshire in 1994. He is a Tutor Constable based in York and is about to join the Neighbourhood Policing Support Team.

* PC Chris Mudd, who joined North Yorkshire Police in June 1984. Throughout his career, he has worked as a neighbourhood policing officer in Thirsk, York city centre and Selby and is an Area Training Officer in Acomb.

* Inspector Rob Settle, who is currently a Firearms Support Unit Inspector. He works in the Hambleton area and York and Selby districts.

* Chief Inspector Barry Smith, who is currently head of Neighbourhood Policing in the York and Selby area. Barry was promoted to inspector in 2003 before being promoted to chief inspector and Selby District Commander in 2006.

* Superintendent Alison Higgins, who joined North Yorkshire Police in 2003 after beginning her career as a cadet with West Midlands Police in 1983. Alison joined North Yorkshire Police in 2003 as superintendent in charge of operations for the York and Selby area, and spent time as temporary chief superintendent and head of the corporate development department. Alison has now resumed operational duties as Operations Commander for the Eastern Area of the force, which includes Hambleton, Ryedale and Scarborough districts.

The other officers receiving awards are: PC Vince Gillon, of Scarborough, Sergeant Debbie Perkin, of Skipton, Sergeant Mark Scarlett, of Skipton, Inspector Pete Morgan, of Whitby, Detective Superintendent Karnail Dulku, who is head of intelligence, and Detective Inspector Adam Harland, who is head of financial investigation.

The awards ceremony will be held at the force headquarters in Northallerton tomorrow, at 2pm, hosted by Assistant Chief Constable Peter Bagshaw.

The guest of honour will be Philip Ingham, the High Sheriff of North Yorkshire.