A TEENAGER who chased after a thief in a Kent city park has been given a special award by the police.

John Blissett, 17, raced after another teenager in Canterbury's Dane John Gardens, after he had witnessed the theft of a woman's handbag in October.

John managed to detain the offender with the help of a police officer.

Supt Joanna Young said: "The actions of a few often blight the reputation of young people but John has proved to be an example to others and is congratulated for his quick-thinking and immediate action."