Kent Police and Kent and Medway Highways Services received commendations for their part in the planning of the Tour de France.

The July event required 2,200 Kent officers and staff, making it the largest deployment of officers in the 150 year history of the force.

Chief constable Michael Fuller awarded the officers and staff for the preparation of the event at a special ceremony in London, hosted by the Metropolitan Police Service, which also recognised officers from the City of London and the British Transport.

In his speech, Mr Fuller said: "With over one hundred and twenty miles of the Stage One route in Kent, passing through town centres, villages and a variety of different road types and junctions, this clearly presented us with a considerable challenge.

"The fact that the event passed off so well is testament to the thoroughness of the planning that went into the event. The commendations are well deserved."