A popular traffic warden has earned a Thames Valley Police award for dedication to her job.

Peggy Long, 55, who has been working in Thame and Watlington since 1987, will be presented with a Shrievalty Merit Award in a special ceremony on March 6.

The awards, which were created in 1981, are given by county High Sheriffs in recognition of the difficult work carried out by those working for Thames Valley Police.

A force spokesman said: "Peggy is extremely well-known within the community and has a wealth of local knowledge. Her efforts are appreciated not just within the confines of the police service - local schools and businesses enquire after Peggy if she has been absent for a few days.

The award was not the first she had received from Thames Valley Police.

In 1992, she won an award after catching shoplifters when she spotted an out-of-date tax disc on their car.

She has also helped trap thieves and get back £4,000 worth of stolen goods.

South Oxfordshire area commander supt Phil Gormley said: "We are all delighted that she is being rewarded in this special way."