A POLICE officer, who has served in St Helens, has been recognised in the New Year's Honours List.

Detective Superintendent Phil Jones, who leads Merseyside Police's Professional Standards Unit, is to receive the Queens Police Medal for 28 years' distinguished service.

The 48-year-old joined the force in 1972 and after serving in the Regional Crime Squad and taking part in the Independent Commission Against Corruption in Hong Kong, went on to hold key posts in St Helens and the Wirral.