Police officers were honoured for “outstanding efforts and bravery” at the Borough Commander's Commendation Ceremony yesterday.

Nine officers from Response Team B were recognised for leading 26 occupants of a burning Leyton building to safety last April.

The men and women carried out the rescue in a smoke-filled building while the fire raged out of control across several buildings in Leyton High Road.

Another officer, DS Dempsey, was honoured for her work in the prosecution of healthcare workers from Whipps Cross Hospital who abused elderly dementia patients.

The twice-yearly ceremony is held in honour of PC Tina Mills, an officer in Waltham Forest for 15 years, who passed away in December 2012 after a seven-year fight with cancer.

An award was also presented in her name for the “Best Thief Taker” in the borough.