POLICE officer Anita Ashcroft receives the Queen’s Police Medal in this year’s Honours List.

Ms Ashcroft, 52, says she is “gobsmacked” by the award as it usually went to those far more senior.

The PC, from Rainhill, who started her career with Merseyside Police 31 years ago, currently leads a team working with prolific offenders.

She said: “It’s marvellous and I’m extremely honoured, gobsmacked even. This award normally goes to those in the upper ranks, like chief constables and chief superintendents. It’s just amazing.”

PC Ashcroft says she does not know who nominated her for the honour but believes it is likely to be the result of her recent work.

She said: “They said I got it for distinguished police service. Not many PCs get this award, so I’m very proud.”

“I’ve clocked up 31 years service and over that period have achieved a number of things. I joined in 1978 and worked in Liverpool for the first six years.

“At first, I had a hard time in the city. There was a lot going on including the riots in Toxteth, which was harrowing.

“After returning to St Helens for four years, I worked in Liverpool for the traffic department where I stayed for over 13 years.”

The onset of health conditions including peripheral vascular disease and polyarthritis meant Ms Ashcroft became classed as disabled, and once again returned to St Helens

She said: “It’s unusual for a police officer to be disabled but I am now, and I find it difficult to walk.

“Since 2003, I have been the acting sergeant on a team working with prolific and priority offenders. This involves working with criminals, most of whom have Class A drug habits, to break the crime cycle. These are the 10% of offenders who commit 60% of crimes.

“I’ve been working very hard and have won five awards in the past two years, both as an individual and with the team.”

In November 2007, Merseyside Police presented she won the Tom Wright Award for exceptional commitment and loyalty in the face of serious injury or illness.