A special award for a teenager was among the honours given out at a police ceremony.

Rhys Joseland, 16, from Stowmarket, was presented with a Royal Humane Award by Suffolk Constabulary’s chief constable Douglas Paxton last night.

The teenager has been recognised after he came to the rescue of a stranger when he was just 14.

On his way to school Rhys came across a girl calling for help who told him her father was attacking her mother.

He ran into the house and managed to pull the woman away from her husband, who had his hand around her throat, and led her to safety.

The man was later given a suspended jail term for common assault and causing actual bodily harm.

Rhys was presented with the award at the ceremony held in Suffolk police headquarters in Martlesham last night.

In February, Rhys won the overall Stars of Suffolk award and the Young Person of the Year award at a ceremony at Suffolk New College.

Speaking after the award, his mother Lea Denny-Joseland, said he now had set his sights on a career with the police force.

At last night’s police ceremony Lord Tollemache and Suffolk police and crime commissioner Tim Passmore also made presentations for long service.

Officers, staff and specials were among those to receive awards, with some being for more than 40 years’ service.

Two chief constable certificates of appreciation and three chief constable certificates of merit were also presented.

Also attending the evening were deputy chief constable Paul Marshall and assistant chief constable Tim Newcomb.