Karl Agg, who used to be the sector inspector of the gay quarter in the city centre, was honoured last month for his services to the gay community.

His policing efforts were described as going "above and beyond the call of duty", although Insp Agg said he was "simply doing his job".

Ch Supt Peter Goodman described the award as "well deserved".

"It's particularly nice when the community not only tells us that we are doing a good job, but also acknowledges it in such a way", said Ch Supt Goodman, commander of Steelhouse Lane police station in the city centre.

Bill Gavin, from Birmingham's Gay Business Partnership, who nominated Insp Agg, said: "It's important that we acknowledge the work Karl has done in developing the relationship between the police and the gay community.