Cambs Police has been “highly commended” for its work with Peterborough City Council to tackle child sexual exploitation in Peterborough.

Operation Erle, which was launched in January 2013 after it was suspected young girls were being sexually exploited in the city, just missed out on the top prize at the Local Government Chronicle (LGC) Awards.

Since the operation was launched, nine men and boys have been jailed for a total of 101 years and nine months.

The work included gaining the girls’ trust so that they felt able to share details of their experiences, supporting them through the investigations and trials, and providing support long-term to allow them to continue with their lives.

Detective Superintendent Gary Ridgway, head of the force’s Public Protection Department, said: “This was a very proud moment for the team which recognised what agencies can achieve if we genuinely work together.

“Local authority children and adult services, police, NSPCC, Local Safeguarding Board members, health services and community and education leads all put the needs of young people first, listening to what they were telling us and demonstrating true determination to tackle this horrible form of abuse.

“I hope young people hearing about this award will be even more reassured of our commitment to help them should they be affected by sexual exploitation.”