The head of the Metropolitan Police Service has been given a damehood in Theresa May’s resignation honours list.

Commissioner Cressida Dick was recognised for her work in policing, having served for more than three decades.

She is the first woman to lead the Met, after taking on the top job in 2017.

Responding to the honour, Commissioner Dick said she was “delighted” to have been recommended for a damehood by the former Prime Minister.

She said: "I would like to thank all the people who have supported me throughout my service and my Met colleagues who work tirelessly to keep London safe.”

The Commissioner began her policing career in London in 1983, before transferring to Thames Valley Police.

After returning to the Met, she led the response to the 7/7 bombings, including the operation which led to the shooting of Jean Charles de Menezes.

She was cleared her of any responsibility for his death.

The Commissioner was later appointed national counter terrorism lead, heading operations during the London Olympics and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

She retired from the Met in 2014 and moved to a role with the Foreign Office, before returning as leader of the force two years ago.

The Mayor of London tweeted his support for the Commissioner, and the recognition of her “first rate service” with the police.

He said: “As Mayor, I see her passion and commitment to keeping our city safe every day."