Chief Insp Ian Gayles, who led the neighbourhood policing team during the search for the missing schoolgirl, was presented with a Chief Constable's Commendation at a ceremony at the Galpharm Stadium in Huddersfield on Monday.

He was nominated for the accolade for his "exceptional and professional work" during the investigation which resulted in Shannon being found hidden in the base of a bed in a Dewsbury flat in March.

Chief Insp Gayles said: "I was extremely pleased and honoured that my work has been recognised by the command team, but let's put it in perspective, a number of officers have been recognised for their work on the investigation."

His neighbourhood policing team acted as a link between the main investigating team and the local community.

Chief Insp Gayles said: "In the national media the area got a bit of bad press, but it really brought the community together.

"At the end of the day the focus was on finding Shannon safe and well, which we did, that was the main reward and this award is a bonus on top of that."

His award was one of around 100 presented for bravery, commitment, dedication and professionalism to police officers, special constables, volunteers and members of the community.

The Gulzar-E-Medina Mosque in Westtown also won an award for its work with police.

The mosque has worked with Kirklees policing team to devise and run a series of courses including Islam awareness training.

Police have also run workshops on gun and knife crime in the madrassah, the islamic school at the mosque.