TWO police officers from Greater Manchester have been recognised in the Queen's Birthday Honours list.

Chief Constable Ian Hopkins has been awarded the Police Model (QPM) for distinguished service and PCSO Gary Etchells has received an MBE.

PCSO Etchells, aged 57, from Hollingworth, will become a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire at a presentation ceremony at Buckingham Palace later this year having received his letter in April.

Mr Etchells has been a PCSO with GMP for over thirteen years, starting his career in Tameside .

In 2006 he was stabbed in the neck by an angry tenant whilst assisting a housing association to carry out an eviction notice.

During the incident he was stabbed with a carving knife, puncturing his carotid artery and damaging a nerve in his vocal cord permanently.

Since then he has received numerous accolades including a bravery award for saving a man from drowning in a Tameside river, but this is his biggest accolade to date.

The father of three said: “I’ve had lots of highs and some lows in my job over the last thirteen years but I wouldn’t change a thing – I love helping people and being out and about in the community.

“I am absolutely honoured to receive an MBE and I’m so shocked that I’ve been chosen, especially during such a special year for her majesty.

"It’s not really sunk in and I’ve had to keep it a secret from my family so no one knows yet! I’m really excited to go down to Buckingham Palace when the time comes.”

Chief Constable Hopkins has worked in GMP for eight years having previously worked in three different police forces during his 27 year policing career.

Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable Ian Hopkins said: “It is a fantastic honour, particularly on the Queen’s 90th birthday year. I am proud to lead Greater Manchester Police and work with some amazing people both colleagues and communities, helping to keep Greater Manchester safe.”