POLICE have heralded an officer who came back to work after losing his leg in a motorcycle accident as an inspiration at an awards ceremony.

But Martin Miles, 49, of Peatmoor, believes it was his job that gave him the strength to move on from the injury that altered his life.

The popular former Highworth officer was one of several police and civilian staff to receive a Divisional Commander's Certificate of Merit at a ceremony last night.

A delighted Martin said: "It's the icing on the cake really.

"I didn't expect it - I'm just a normal guy doing a normal job - I went back because it seemed the right thing to do."

Martin was recognised for his positive, determined and resolute attitude to life and work and how he approached both with energy and enthusiasm.

"He's an inspiration for the force," added his colleague Colin Venn, a crime standards auditor, who read the citation before Swindon mayor Steve Wakefield presented the award.

Mr Venn nominated Martin after seeing how he coped day to day with his injuries.

"He is phenomenal," he said.

"Other people whinge about a cold and what he's overcome is amazing.

Martin, who has served the force for over 30 years, was involved in a collision with a 4x4 vehicle in February 2007 while riding along Tadpole Lane, Blunsdon, towards the A419.

He spent two weeks in intensive care, had six operations and had his right leg amputated.

However, he has made rapid progress and can now walk without a stick and is back at work.

Unfortunately as Martin was off-duty at the time he has received little in compensation, but thanks to the generous people of Highworth and Swindon an appeal has raised over £15,000.

He now works as a member of the crime management unit for Wiltshire police at Gablecross police station.

He added: "It's nice to be back at work and to be recognised for the fact that you have got back.

"I enjoy work so it wasn't that hard to go back - I was looking forward to going back.

"It made me think things were moving on and that life would go on.

Senior Wiltshire police officers, councillors, the mayor and the families of the nominees all attended the ceremony.

Chief Superintendent Paul Howlett said: "He has suffered very serious injuries and he's chosen not to be a victim in that he leads his life to the full - he's a great example to us all."

Martin was there with wife Jo, 35, to collect the award, who said the police force was what her husband had lived for over the last 30 years.

She added: "You cannot keep Martin down."

Force recognises great achievements

NUMEROUS officers' achievements were recognised at the second awards ceremony to celebrate the different skills demonstrated by them and civilian staff.

Chief Supt Paul Howlett, said he was encouraged by the range of achievements on show.

He said: "They demonstrate the breadth of what happens - it's a great opportunity to demonstrate a public service as well as the success of the police."

Officers were awarded for their skills and dedication to the job.

These included three officers awarded for locating and arresting the occupants of a stolen car.

PC Leanne Kavanagh, PC Sarah Watts and PC Kevin Payne received a Divisional Commander's Certificate of Merit award for their part in recovering a stolen car in April.

Experienced officer and tutor PC Payne was able to direct his students to make the arrest and was awarded for his professionalism and tenacity.

After hearing about the car the trainees picked an area where they thought it might come to.

While PC Watts detained the female passenger, PC Kavanagh chased and caught the driver on foot.

PC Kavanagh said it had been difficult as the incident occurred on only their second shift of practical training. She added: "It's an honour really this early into my career - hopefully it's the first of many."

Divisional training sergeant Andy Cox, who read the citation of events leading up to the recovery, said training with an experienced police officer was a crucial part in the early years learning.