A Hertfordshire Constabulary call handler has been recognised with a prestigious Royal Humane Society Award after helping save the life of a woman in crisis.

Stephen Marshall, a Communications Operator who answers 999 and 101 calls for the force, received the award for his actions during a distressing emergency call from a woman who said she intended to take her own life.

During the incident, which took place in April last year, Stephen remained on the phone with the woman as she travelled towards a railway station. Hertfordshire Police said he stayed calm and professional throughout, offering reassurance, understanding and empathy while simultaneously arranging for officers to be sent to her location.

Volunteer police officers Special Sergeant Jon Tricker and Special Constable Daniel Chatfield were first to arrive at Waltham Cross Railway Station. They acted quickly to prevent the woman from harming herself and ensured she received the support she needed.

All three officers were awarded Royal Humane Society Awards in recognition of their roles in saving the woman's life.

While Special Sgt Tricker and Special Constable Chatfield received their awards at an earlier force ceremony, Stephen was unable to attend and was instead presented with his certificate this week by Public Contact Superintendent Matt Barton.

Supt Barton said call handlers are often the "unsung heroes" of emergency responses.

He said: "They are the first voice callers hear in what is often their most desperate hour of need. They provide reassurance and sometimes life-saving directions over the phone.

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"Their jobs are high pressured and complex, exposing them to trauma on a regular basis. This is a role that not everyone could do.

"Stephen is a dedicated call handler with 23 years of service. During that time, he has helped countless people and I know that this particular call will stay with him for a long time.

"Thankfully the woman did not come to harm and Stephen played a vital role in keeping her safe. He is a worthy recipient of a Royal Humane Society Award and it was my pleasure to present him with his certificate this week alongside his team members."

Hertfordshire Police is currently recruiting police officers, Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) and Special Constables.