THE chief of counter terror policing in the north, and former Valley Parade match commander, has been acknowledged in the Queen's Birthday Honours List.

Chief Superintendent Martin Snowden has received the Queen's Police Medal for services to policing.

Snowden, who joined West Yorkshire Police almost 30 years ago, is head of Counter Terrorism Policing North East, a role he has held since 2017, having previously been Detective Superintendent for two years.

In the role he works with all seven police forces in the North East, working to identify and handle terrorism risks in the region.

Throughout his career he worked in Bradford and Leeds in uniform and as a detective as well as force-wide roles tackling drugs, firearms, organised crime and human trafficking, as well as being a firearms and public order tactical commander.

He also served as match commander at Valley Parade for Bradford City matches, at Leeds United games at Elland Road, and also at international cricket fixtures at Headingley Stadium.

Chief Supt Snowdon said he was "shocked, humbled and enormously proud" when notified of his honour.

He said: "With over 29 years of policing service I still enjoy every day so to receive recognition is just a bonus. 

“I have worked in many roles and with some fantastic people in West Yorkshire Police over this time.

"For the past six years I have worked in Counter Terrorism Policing North East, four years as Head and I have had the tremendous opportunity to work with police and partner agency colleagues in all seven forces in the North East region as well nationally and internationally across the wider Counter Terrorism network.

"It is all of those officers, staff and teams who make my role easy and they actually deserve this recognition."