A police officer was attacked by a man with a knife and needed eight stitches in his leg.

PC Daniel Carmen was one of a number of officers who were awarded for their tireless work across the district.

At a ceremony at Canterbury Cathedral, chief constable Alan Pughsley handed out a number of honours in recognition of the achievements of officers, staff and members of the public.

Chief superintendent Andrea Bishop said: ”Every day officers and staff are going above and beyond the call of duty to ensure Kent is a safe place to live, work and visit and it’s important we recognise some of that outstanding work.

”I was really proud of everyone who won an award, not least the members of the public who showed incredible bravery and selflessness in potentially dangerous situations.”

PC Daniel Carmen was presented with a certificate of merit award for his quick thinking and bravery when he was called to a disturbance at a house in Canterbury in March.

When they arrived, a man threatened PC Carmen with a knife and he ended up suffering a leg wound that needed eight stitches.

Mrs Bishop said: “PC Carmen’s courage and professionalism prevented the public and his colleagues from serious injury.”

PC Paul Dormer and PC Andrew Camp were also presented with a certificate of merit award for their part in restraining an aggressive and agitated man in Herne Bay.

In February, they were called to help mental health staff who were dealing with a man in a volatile and distressed state.

During a violent struggle, the two officers managed to restrain him and he was taken to a mental health hospital for treatment.

Mrs Bishop said: ”Without the quick thinking, resilience and professional approach of the two officers the outcome could have been very different.”

Sergeant Jayson Bole, detective sergeant Stephen Rudden and detective constable Gary Stamp all received their certificate of merit for their actions while trying to stop a suspect’s car in December 2013.

The suspect and his two accomplices were wanted in connection with a shoplifting incident at Westwood Cross in Broadstairs in which three televisions were stolen.

“PC Carmen’s courage and professionalism prevented the public and his colleagues from serious injury.” - Chief superintendent Andrea Bishop

But when sergeant Boyle attempted to stop the car at a service station on the Thanet Way in Minster the suspect revved his engine and deliberately drove at the officer, knocking him into the air.

Miraculously he only sustained grazing and minor injuries and the three suspects were caught following a pursuit.

During an investigation, it was found they had stolen from stores across Kent and London, where they had also driven at security guards who had tried to stop them.

Investigating officer constable Gary Stamp was presented with a divisional commander’s commendation for how he progressed the investigation and his contribution to the work of CID at Canterbury over the last year.

Police community support officer (PCSO) Elaine Cannadine was named PCSO of the year for the Canterbury district.

Since joining the coastal policing team in February she has introduced an initiative in which the PCSO team and special constables use bicycles to carry out high visibility reassurance patrols.

She has also arranged dementia awareness training for fellow PCSOs, voluntarily helps with the domestic abuse one stop shop and has attended a workshop on school parking problems.