A FORMER police officer responsible for getting Bradford's Victorian police station, cells and courts re-opened as a museum has been granted an accolade for his efforts by the Prime Minister.

Retired Inspector Dr Martin Baines spent more than a year on raising funds and sourcing exhibits for the museum, as well as negotiating with Bradford Council and police, before it opened in August.

It covers the development of crime and punishment in Bradford since the early part of the 19th Century, featuring details of some major crimes and significant developments within the police service in the city.

A key element of the museum is that it is housed in what was the city's central police station, within the City Hall building.

Since it opened, more than 1,500 people have visited.

In recognition of his efforts, David Cameron has named him for the Point of Light award, which recognises the work of outstanding individuals who volunteer in the community.

Mr Cameron said: “Thanks to Martin’s passion and personal dedication, Bradford now has a fantastic new tourist attraction which gives visitors a unique insight into the social history of the local area. I’m delighted to name Martin a Point of Light.”

During his 32 year career with West Yorkshire Police, the then Inspector was awarded the Queens Police Medal for his efforts to combat race crime.

Bradford has a proud history of policing firsts - it was the first UK police force to use court photography and taped recorded evidence admissible in court and the first use of fingerprint evidence outside of London.

Escape artists Houdini once escaped from the police cells in front of the Chief Constable of Bradford, where the Police had handcuffed him inside one of the secure police cells naked.

A previous Bradford Police Museum inside the local police HQ was never open to the general public and was eventually demolished in 2006.

The old police premises within City Hall had been used from 1874 for 100 years but had stood empty in more recent years and it was Martin's idea to bring the space back to life as a museum.

The new permanent exhibition makes the historic collection available to the general public and includes Victorian police truncheons, uniforms and a unique photographic archive covering 150 years of policing in the city.

The Points of Light award has been developed in partnership with the hugely successful Points of Light programme in the USA and was first established by President George H. W. Bush. Over 5,000 US Points of Light have been awarded and both President George H. W. Bush and President Barack Obama have publicly supported the partnership with Points of Light UK which honours shining examples of volunteering across the country.