A BURY police sergeant has received a Queen's Police Medal in recognition of his contributions to policing.

Sgt Abed Hussain was bestowed with the prestigious medal during a special ceremony at Buckingham Palace.

During the visit, he managed to sneak in a photograph with Anthony Joshua, the IBF, WBO and WBA heavyweight world boxing champion, who was at the palace to receive his OBE.

Sgt Hussain, who has served with Greater Manchester Police for 24 years, has been hailed as a community champion for the positive impact he has had on the borough.

Bolton police chief, Supt Rick Jackson said on Twitter: "Very much deserved. The difference he has made to the communities of Bury is huge. I can’t think of a more deserving recipient."

The Queen's Police Medal (QPM) recognises Sgt Hussain's work to build relationships between members of the police force, faith leaders and young people.

He created the town’s LGBT Rainbow Walks and first ever Pride march.

Other accomplishments include setting up the Bury Muslim Forum, which has helped to increase the understanding and reporting of domestic abuse and other issues, and planning the multi-faith Collabor8e event.

Collabor8e, which focuses on bringing people together to celebrate their differences, attracted more than 1,000 young people.

Sgt Hussain previously said: “I am honoured to have been awarded such a prestigious medal for doing the job I really love.

"I enjoy coming to work every day and working with the great communities of Bury."

Last month, Sgt Hussain was also nominated in the national Asian Fire Service Association (AFSA) awards for his outstanding contribution in promoting inclusion, equality and diversity.

Chief Constable Ian Hopkins previously said: “Sgt Hussain is an outstanding local neighbourhood sergeant who puts people and communities at the heart of everything he does. Abed's work epitomises exactly what neighbourhood policing should be about."