Do you know a Police Officer, Police Community Support Officer or Special Constable who deserves special recognition for their work in making our neighbourhoods safer and stronger? Or have you received outstanding customer service when contacting the police? If so then we want to hear from you.

The Community Policing Awards will celebrate the success and achievements of individuals and teams who are making a real impact on the communities they serve – people with energy and enthusiasm that is infectious to those around them.

Dr Moira Hamlin, Chair of the Police Authority, said: "The policing needs of the communities of Avon and Somerset are a priority for both the Police Authority and Constabulary and we have dedicated specific resources to try and ensure that the needs of our communities are firmly at the heart of local policing.

"These awards have been organised to reward our staff who have worked tirelessly to improve policing and make our neighbourhoods safer and stronger.

"Thanks to the wonderful support of the public last year we were able to honour some of the best officers and staff across the force. We are asking for help again to try and find the best of the best this year."

Chief Constable Colin Port said: "The roll out of neighbourhood policing is now complete and the teams are working hard to form strong links with their communities and partner agencies to tackle the things that really matter to communities such as low-level crime and quality of life issues.

"These awards are to acknowledge their hard work and recognise the difference that is being made in our communities every day.

"Right across the force we have exceptional individuals and teams that fit the criteria of the awards and we hope that people will take this opportunity to give credit where it's due as well as inspire fellow officers and staff to strive for the same high standards."

The Western Daily Press are media partner for the awards. Keep an eye on the newspaper in the coming months for regular feature stories on the awards, and on some of those individuals and teams who have been nominated.

The award ceremony is being planned for Thursday, March 5 2009 at Cadbury House, Congresbury. Further details will be published when available.