A TEAM of officers deployed to help people affected by Hurricane Irma have been honoured for their work.

Five officers serving with Hampshire Constabulary flew to the British Virgin Islands in September.

During their three-week deployment, the team helped to track down convicts who escaped from a badly-damaged prison, assisted the military to re-establish water and electricity supplies and cleared dangerous debris.

The officers worked at least 16 hours a day during their visit. They refused to leave when a second category five hurricane struck the islands.

Hampshire’s Chief Constable Olivia Pinkney presented awards to those who had helped.

“These officers are a true credit to the policing family and the communities they serve," she said.

“They have dealt with some of the most challenging situations that any officer can face and they have shown nothing but great professionalism and compassion.

“I am so proud of them all."