HUNDREDS of police officers and staff have been thanked for their work in the aftermath of the Manchester Arena bombing.

During four nights this month Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable Ian Hopkins invited officers and staff from GMP, British Transport Police and other forces to events to recognise what they did and say thank you.

He was assisted by High Sheriff of Greater Manchester, Gerry Young, who also wanted to show his appreciated for the work that took place.

The High Sheriff and his wife hosted the events at the Yang Sing restaurant in Manchester city centre.

The Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of Manchester and the Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Greater Manchester attended and took the opportunity to thank everyone for their magnificent efforts.

Chief Constable Ian Hopkins said: “So many people were affected by the attack and our thoughts are with the 22 victims and their families and the hundreds of people suffering physical or psychological trauma. I know people appreciate the trauma that attack had on the emergency services and those who responded.

“GMP received a huge amount of support and an incredible number of positive messages in the days, weeks and months that followed the attack. The events were a way to recognise the actions and use the time to reflect on all those affected.

“I remain convinced that we did our best for the victims, the injured and the people of Manchester on that terrible night and the days that followed.

“I want to thank the High Sheriff, the Chinese community and the sponsors that supported the events.”

Thousands of police staff, paramedics and firefighters were involved in the response to the attack on May 22 last year where 22 people were killed and hundreds more were injured.

The High Sheriff said: “As a citizen of Greater Manchester I wanted to stand together with fellow Mancunians and show respect and gratitude to Greater Manchester Police and British Transport Police for all they did.

“I am grateful to my many friends, business associates and the Chinese community who provided generous sponsorship to allow the events to happen. When I became High Sheriff in April 2017 I wanted to bring the Chinese community closer to the life and society of Greater Manchester and I think we have achieved it.”

Last month it was announced that the government is to provide an additional £4million in funding for Greater Manchester to cover the costs of responding to the attack.

This money is to cover the NHS acute care costs as well as the costs of the North West Ambulance Service.

This has brought the cost of government support to £24million.