The police officer who was shot in the face by Raoul Moat in July has received a weekly newspaper’s unsung hero award.

PC David Rathband was one of nine winners of the Pride of Northumberland Role Model awards organised by Northeast Press, publishers of the Northumberland Gazette.

The awards are designed to recognises the courage, bravery, determination and dedication of the county’s unsung heroes.

PC Rathband, who collected his engraved glass trophy in his Northumbria Police dress-uniform, was given a standing ovation as he received the award at Alnwick Gardens.

Stuart Birkett, managing director of Northeast Press said: “We have a lot to be proud of in Northumberland. Our beautiful coastline, countryside and vibrant towns are envied by many, but these awards prove that it is the people of Northumberland that we should be most proud of.”

The awards were also supported by Metro Radio and Johnston Press sister title the Berwick Advertiser, part of Tweeddale Press.