On Wed 5th Dec 2012 I was staying with my son to babysit his 3 children while he and his wife were at work. The children aged 7 and 4 were off school sick, and the baby is 5 months old. I took a shower and locked the bathroom door. The only reason I locked the door was because Ive just had major surgery and didnt want any visitors. When I was ready to come out I couldnt get the bolt to unlock. I tried for ages but it wouldnt move. I was panic stricken. I managed to get my 7 year old granddaughter to ring 999, something shes never done before. Two police officers arrived and looked after the children, then a further two officers arrived and after a while managed to get the lock open. Ive never been so grateful to anyone in my life as I was that day. PC 2642 Rogers left his card. Thank you all for being so nice in my hour of need - Three old ladies locked in the lavatory is now my signature tune!

I am writing this email. Yesterday afternoon (tuesday 25th september), two of your officers responded to a call at my home address. I have bipolar disorder and am currently not very well. Certain events had left me feeling suicidal and it was only the arrival of your officers that stopped this. As someone who is normally terrified of the police, what they did with me was exceptional. They calmed me, they talked to me, I felt safe with them and they took care of me when other services were not responding. Also the respect they showed for me throughout as a person was amazing. I really feel these officers should be credited for their actions yesterday and for keeping me safe while treating me so kindly.

I was involved in a road traffic accident yesterday in Beamish. Owing to the fact that the other party was injured, I was extremely shaken & distressed. All officers who attended, but especially Steve Brown, were incredibly empathetic. I was kept informed at all times about what was happening and treated with a great deal of respect. It made what was a horrible situation easier to deal with & Id like to pass on my thanks to all involved.

On the morning of the 24th December 2012, three officers from Newton Aycliffe witnessed a fire at our property. The officers proceeded to gain entry to our property in Newton Aycliffe as the flames were spreading, cutting off back and front escape routes. We answered the door and the officers risked their lives to get myself my husband and my 5 sons out to safety. We truly owe them our lives as we were unaware of the events that were happening, they deserve recognition for going above their call of duty.

I would like to nominate Vanessa as I see her as a much needed link between the community and the Police. She is a very visable PCSO in Lanchester and many people know her. She is always very approachable and professional. I have come to know Vanessa over the years, as I work in the Community Centre in Lanchester. The Police need more officers like her who are walking the street and meeting people.

I would like to nominate PC Armstrong for allaying my fears and making me feel safe, following an incident where an unknown male was banging on my front door late at night. I was alone at the time and the experience was extremely frightening. PC Armstrong and his colleage, PC Robson arrived at my property in an incredibly quick time, following my 999 call. The male was dealt with effectively and then PC Armstrong came into my property to inform me about the male. He was extremely reassuring and I genuinely felt safe knowing that I could rely on such a prompt, professinal and caring service. I am very grateful.

On Tuesday night Nov 6th, PCSO Denathorn was called to a house in Hylton Road Ferryhill. It is a property well known for trouble with drink and drugs with undesirables from all over using it as a den. They were high on drink and drugs and PCSO Denathorn was at the rear of the property on her own with nothing to defend herself. She phoned for backup several times but to no avail. By this time those inside the property were screaming at the pcso that she was deadmeat, that they had knives and she was going to get it. She must have been terrified, but remained in full control. They opened back door and came screaming towards PCSO Denathorn,but she stood her ground and shouted back and told them to go back in the house. Help arrived and they were arrested. People round the doors were terrified and how Laura stayed in control of the situation I dont honestly know. PCSO Denathorn deserves a medal not just a WOW award and she has proved she is more than worthy of an award . I would like to thank her on behalf of all residents in this area

PC Marsh attended a dispute between myself and a tenant. He had to take an enormous amount of abuse from two men (one of whom was my tenant) and a woman at the scene. He was very helpful, handling the situation very calmly, providing support and reassurance and he advised me to re-contact him if further problems arose. Unfortunately, I had to call the police again for assistance involving the same tenant. I wish to commend PC Marsh for his excellent work.

I would like to thank the above officers for their assistance in executing an eviction warrant on a property in Sacriston, Durham on the 29th November 2012. Their attendance was as always much appreciated. Dave Cook,Bailff,Durham County Court.

John received a letter from a gentleman in Australia 29/11/12 (Bill Whykes) denoting his heartfelt appreciation for the quality service John provided him whilst he was visiting Durham in October 12. Mr Whykes of Victoria, Australia, was a personal guest of the Vicar of St Marys church in Heworth, and his visit was to reflect his herritage. Mr Whykes called upon John to get him to this venue to witness a service to reflect his family and in doing so fulfilled a genuinely special and unique journey. Such was the appreciation, Mr Whykes returned to Australia and took it upon himself to write to John thanking him.