Award for those killed on duty

THE fathers of two murdered police officers said it was "vitally important" to honour public servants killed in the line of duty after they became the first recipients of a new award.

Bryn Hughes and Paul Bone both received an Elizabeth Emblem following the deaths of their daughters Pcs Nicola Hughes and Fiona Bone, who were murdered by Dale Cregan in Greater Manchester in 2012.

Following a campaign by Mr Hughes and Mr Bone, it was announced earlier this year that the emblem would be awarded to the next of kin of police officers, firefighters and other public servants.

Mr Bone, from Pool in Wharfedale, West Yorkshire, said every public sector worker who dies in the line of duty "should have the opportunity to be remembered and honoured".