A Greater Manchester Police (GMP) officer has spoken about the pride he feels of being the last person from the force to receive his award from the late Queen Elizabeth II.

Damieon Hartley-Pickles, who joined GMP in 2002 and is now a neighbourhood sergeant in Heywood, was awarded the British Empire Medal in the 2022 New Year’s Honours List.

He began fundraising for various hospices around the North West, before dedicating much of his time to Oldham youth charity Mahdlo, which supports underprivileged young people.

The officer was given his award after being recognised for services to policing as well as fundraising more than £50,000 for charities in Oldham.

Sgt Hartley-Pickles said: “I am still so honoured to have received such recognition – especially being the last person from GMP to receive it from Queen Elizabeth II.

“As both a police officer and a fundraiser, I want to do something to help those who need it most and will continue to do so under His Majesty King Charles III.”

Read more articles here: