The second annual Community Policing Awards hosted by Avon and Somerset Police Authority and Constabulary were held on Thursday March 5, to recognise the individuals and teams that go the extra mile for the public they serve.

The District winners from five categories including Neighbourhood Team of the Year, PCSO of the Year, Special Constable of the Year, Neighbourhood Beat Manager of the Year and Outstanding Customer Service, were presented with their prizes before the overall force winner for each category was announced.

Dr Moira Hamlin, Chair of the Police Authority, said: "It has been a real pleasure to hold a second Community Policing Awards to acknowledge the good work that is being carried out in neighbourhoods and communities throughout the force area. The awards are made extra special as nominations came from members of the public.

"Again, we have been highly impressed, humbled and touched by the many wonderful stories we have heard about the real difference the officers and staff of Avon and Somerset Constabulary are making to their neighbourhoods.

"Last year's winners felt a great sense of pride from receiving one of these awards and I am very grateful to the sponsors who have helped make this event possible again."

Chief Constable Colin Port said: "We are keen to ensure that the needs of the community are at the heart of policing here in Avon and Somerset. Both staff and officers are working hard to form strong links with their communities and partner agencies to tackle the things that really matter to local residents.

"All the awards here tonight highlight the excellent work that takes place within the community teams. This year's judges had a difficult job selecting the district and force winners from all of the entries."

The ceremony, compered by Rob Stokes, Deputy Editor of the Bristol Evening Post, commenced with Chief Constable Colin Port presenting the force winner for the Neighbourhood Beat Manager of the Year award to PC Andrew Cox from Bristol.

ACPO President, Sir Ken Jones then took to the stage to award Special Constable of the Year to Matthew Isaacs from Bristol as the overall force winner.

Chair of the Police Authority Dr Moira Hamlin congratulated Christopher Purvey, from Keynsham, as the force wide Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) of the Year.

Between the awards, guests were treated to a fantastic street dance display performed by the youth dance group "Elementz" as part of the Energize Taunton scheme, which is partnership between police, local businesses and the local authority.

Following the entertainment, Police Authority Member, Councillor Alan Ham presented PC Philip Barrett as the force winner for the Outstanding Customer Service Award. While the John Lewis Award, a special category in Outstanding Customer Service was presented by John Hayes Managing Director of John Lewis Cribbs Causeway to Jackie Mc Donald, who also won a music system as well as her trophy.

Finally Andy Wright, Editor of The Western Daily Press, closed the ceremony by presenting the final award to force winner Wellington for the Neighbourhood Team of the Year award.

Their delighted Sergeant Stuart Bell, sadly couldn't be with the team as he was in hospital recovering from brain surgery.