OFFICERS from Gwent Police received the Royal seal of approval for their efforts in the aftermath of the Tsunami.

A 15-strong Disaster Victim Identification Team from Gwent spent two weeks in Thailand early last year assisting in the process of identifying victims of the disaster.

Her Majesty the Queen and Prince Philip commended the officers on their work at a special ceremony at Buckingham Palace on February 16.

Crime Scene Investigator John Isgrove represented the Force at the ceremony, which recognised the work of the emergency services both in the UK and abroad.

Speaking after the event, John said: "It was a real honour to represent the Force in this way, but it was very much a team effort. As a group, we spent two weeks working under very challenging circumstances at a temporary mortuary near Khao Lak. Our main aim was to identify as many victims of the tsunami as possible and to assist with the repatriation of British victims to the UK, to provide their families with some level of closure."

Chief Superintendent Alun Thomas, who headed up the team, said: "I was very impressed and proud of the way the whole team worked out in Thailand. The conditions were very poor. It was about 45 degrees in the shade, and the work was very physically and emotionally demanding. The fact that we were able to help identify 100 victims is testament to the attitude and determination of the whole team and I am very pleased that John was invited to represent the Force at this royal reception."