Sixty-eight-year-old Gerald Brown, from Holywell Row near Mildenhall, gave a running commentary of the duo's actions as they raided his neighbour's house before officers arrested them on the scene.

Speaking at the ceremony held at Newmarket's Rowley Mile racecourse, he said: "I just couldn't believe it when I saw them. It is very rare to catch burglars on the premises.

"I am quite proud to be here as it is not something you would normally do, but I never expected to get an award."

People of all ages were honoured at the event, which was attended by senior police officers, including Chief Supt Paul Marshall, western area commander for Suffolk Police.

Award winners included Paul Goffin, director of Newmarket Day Centre, Joan Aves, from Mildenhall, and Margaret Fulham, from Lakenheath, who all received awards from the Lions Club for fighting fear of crime.

Caring for the Community award winners included Cheryl Bass and Joanne Baker, from Newmarket, and Mildenhall residents Caron Jones, Maureen Kowalyk, Andy Carter and Gerald Brown.

Members of the Mildenhall Youth Detectives group Adam Davies, Bethany Blackman and Liam Butcher also scooped a prize for their enthusiastic voluntary work.

Newmarket's Neighbourhood Watch area award went to Margaret Kinsey, the Lakenheath award to Carol Tuffs and the Mildenhall accolade to Michaela Manning.

The SAFE prize went to Doug Mead, of Newmarket, and the special constable's trophy, presented by former special Eileen Jacob, went to Nick Beal, of Mildenhall.

Forest Heath Council's commerce award was won by Mark Rogers, of Kentford-based Milken Coaches, with Crucial Crew awards going to Howard Storey and Dennis Smith, both from Mildenhall.

Chief Insp Mike Holdsworth, district commander for Forest Heath, paid tribute to the hard work and commitment of the winners on the day.

He said: "We want people to look after each other and this event rewards that and recognises the effort people have made.

"If we can encourage the community to work together, we will tackle crime and, hopefully, make Suffolk a safer place to live."