There were smiles, cheers and congratulations last night as the winners for the Community Policing Awards “Best on the Beat” competition were announced.

Police officers, staff, dignitaries and special guests including Sir Hugh Orde, President of the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) and BBC Dragons’ Den Investor Deborah Meaden all gathered to reward the hard work and dedication of neighbourhood policing teams and individuals.

The awards ceremony organised by Avon and Somerset Police Authority and Constabulary was held at Cadbury House Hotel, Congresbury and is the only event within the force that asks the public to nominate. This year the competition received a record number of entries totalling nearly 700.

Between September and November last year people were asked to put forward their Neighbourhood Team, PCSO, Special Constable, Neighbourhood Beat Manager and officers and staff who they feel go the extra mile to help reduce crime and improve the quality of life in their area. Winners from the six policing districts were then selected by an independent judging panel and the overall force winner for the six categories was announced last night.

Overall force winners:
Neighbourhood Beat Manager of the Year – Joanne Jeffery (Somerset West) Special Constable of the Year – Simon Bale (Somerset West)
Police Community Support Officer of the Year – Sean Ford (Bristol)
Neighbourhood Team of the Year – Lyncombe Beat Team (B&NES)
Outstanding Customer Service Award – Deborah Charman (North Somerset)
Special Recognition BT Award – Diana Clarke (South Gloucestershire)

Dr Moira Hamlin, Chair of the Police Authority, said: “There has been an overwhelming response from the public for this year’s awards and it is a real pleasure to recognise the good work undertaken by police officers and staff.

“Again, we have been really touched by the nominations that people thoughtfully take the time to write. We are very grateful to hear about the real difference the officers and staff of Avon and Somerset Constabulary is making to neighbourhoods and communities they serve everyday.

“The winners are also very humbled to hear that they have been nominated by the public and feel a great sense of pride from receiving a Community Policing Award. Thanks to all our sponsors we have managed to recognise Neighbourhood Policing at the highest possible level.”

Chief Constable Colin Port said: "These awards recognise the excellent work of individuals and teams in Avon and Somerset Constabulary who are dedicated to keeping people safe in their communities.

“This year’s judges had a difficult job selecting both the district and force winners because the standard and number of nominations was particularly high.

“It is great that the public have played such an active part in acknowledging the efforts of staff and officers. Thank you for your involvement.

“In addition to congratulating the winners, it is important to acknowledge the good work done by others across the force day in, day out.

“Everyone should feel extremely proud of what they have achieved.”

One of the special guests was BBC Dragon’s Den Investor Deborah Meaden who presented the Neighbourhood Team of the Year awards.

Speaking at the event she said: “Tonight we are recognising excellence within the force within everything that you do. The public have voted for you, that tells you that people care about what you’re doing. You’re also telling them, that they matter to you, that you’re listening to them and that your relationship with them is very important.”

The Community Policing Awards was streamed live over the web last night to view the footage visit www.communitypolicingawards.org.uk.

The Community Policing Awards is sponsored by BT, Unison, OR Consulting, Somerset County Council, JP Morgan, 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.

For more photos, quotes and video of all the force winner please visit www.communitypolicing.org.uk