The hunt to find the Best on the Beat 2009 is down to the final 28 from 689 nominations as the winners for the six police districts are announced.

The Community Policing Awards asks people to nominate their Neighbourhood Beat Manager, PCSO, Special Constable and Neighbourhood Team of the Year as well as the Outstanding Customer Service Award.

The public have nominated police officers, staff and volunteers they feel have gone the extra mile to reduce crime and improve the quality of life for residents.

Following a record number of entries, including 407 nominations for the Police Community Support Officer of the Year category, the judges have decided the district winners.

Individuals and teams have been selected by the judges as the district winners for Somerset West, Somerset East, North Somerset, Bristol, Bath and North East Somerset and South Gloucestershire for each award category. For a full list of all winners please visit www.communitypolicingawards.org.uk

The overall force winners for the five categories will be announced on Tuesday, March 2, 2010 at a Gala Dinner. The whole event will be streamed live across the Internet for more information nearer the time visit the Community Policing Awards website www.communitypolicingawards.org.uk.

Two other entries that did not quite make it as a district winner have been awarded Highly Commended, as the judging panel felt that their excellent work within the community should be applauded. PCSO Penny Freestone and Street South Beat Team both from Somerset East will receive a certificate from their District Commander in March.

Dr Moira Hamlin, Chair of Avon and Somerset Police Authority, said: “This year’s judges have had a really tough job deciding the winners with a record number of entries to go through.

"We are delighted that so many people have taken the time to nominate, it really does make the Community Policing Awards extra special to us and the winners. All of the winners, highly commended and short-listed officers, staff and volunteers feel a great sense of pride in being nominated by the community.

“Honouring and recognising the good work undertaken by Neighbourhood Policing teams across Avon and Somerset is extremely important. The nominations highlight the impact both individuals and team are having on the communities they serve.”

Chief Constable Colin Port said: “It is great that the public recognise the positive contribution the police family in its wider sense makes. Thank you for getting involved and helping us celebrate their efforts.

In addition to congratulating those nominated, it is important to acknowledge the good work by other day in day out. Everyone should feel extremely proud of what they have achieved."

An awards ceremony will be held on Tuesday, March 2 and the overall Avon and Somerset winner for each category will be announced.

The awards are possible thanks to generous sponsorship from BT, Unison, OR Consulting, Somerset County Council, Jupiter Asset Management, Rolls Royce, Record Consultancy, Standard Life Investments, Burleigh Press, Weston College, Southwest One, The Western Daily Press, Bristol Evening Post, Somali Voice Newspaper, The Medlock Charitable Trust, Western Provident Association and LEBC.