A FORMER police chief for South-West London has received the prestigious Queen's Police Medal in recognition of her service, in a ceremony at Windsor Castle.

Sally Benatar, a retired police Chief Superintendent, is the former South West BCU (Basic Command Unit) Commander for the London Boroughs of Kingston, Merton, Richmond.

She was awarded the medal in a ceremony on Tuesday 8 February for her 'distinguished service' over 31 years in the Metropolitan Police.

Ms Benatar described her last three years working in South-West London as the 'highlight' of her career.

Her duties included co-ordinating and managing the VIP Protection operation for the London Olympics in 2012 and heading up aviation security at Heathrow Airport.

Sally, a popular figure across the boroughs during her service, said: "I'm so happy to have received the Queen's Police Medal from The Prince of Wales at Windsor Castle.

"We had a lovely conversation and I'm still taking it all in! Thank you to my former Metropolitan Police colleagues and South West London partners.

"I am very proud to have been a police officer in the Met for 31 years. Policing is all about teamwork and I worked with many brilliant and dedicated people during my service.

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"This award is down to that teamwork.

"It was lovely to be at the same Investiture as my former colleagues Lee Barnard MBE, Janet Hills MBE and Ansel Wong CBE also receiving their medals.

"And by happy coincidence, the date on my Investiture invitation was also my daughter Alice's 13th birthday!

"We both had a very special day that we will always remember."