MORE than 100 people have already put forward nominations for this year’s Be Proud Awards, recognising those who go above and beyond in policing.

With less than a week left until the closing date, make sure your local neighbourhood officer, response officer, special constable, police staff member, investigator, volunteer or policing team is in with a chance of picking up an award at this year’s ceremony in May.

Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens said: "I am delighted that so many of you have taken the time to submit a nomination for our new awards.

"The entries we’ve already received highlight the caring nature of call handlers, the life-changing actions of officers, the selfless nature of specials and volunteers and the support of our many policing teams.

"We are delighted with the number of nominations we have received so far but always welcome more examples of where officers, staff and volunteers are supporting you and your local community and are worthy of an award."

Chief Constable Andy Marsh said: “Our cherished model of British policing depends on policing by consent, and to do that public trust and confidence are crucial. Each week I hear great examples of extraordinary work, and it’s always particularly poignant to receive messages directly from individuals who’ve been thankful for our support.

“In the midst of all the uncertainty and difficulty in the world they’re often touched by the kindness, warmth and simple humanity displayed by our police officers, staff and volunteers, and our work to keep them safe and be there for them when they need us.

“These Be Proud awards are a chance to publically recognise and thank the great work that goes on around the clock in Avon and Somerset to support victims and bring offenders to justice.

"Please keep sending us your nominations.”

The awards recognise the outstanding work of police officers, staff and volunteers in the following categories: Neighbourhood Officer of the Year; Response Officer of the Year; Investigator of the Year; Police Staff Member of the Year; Police Support Volunteer of the Year; Special Constable of the Year; Policing Team of the Year and the Specialist Operations Award.

To nominate visit beproudawards.com - the closing date is January 27 and nomination forms are also available in police stations and libraries.

After this date an independent panel will select winners and an awards ceremony will be held on Thursday, May 18 at Cadbury House Hotel where an overall force winner for each category will be announced.

The Be Proud Awards are only possible thanks to the support of our proud partners The Bristol Post, AN: Event Services, BT, Unison, Deloitte and Nomura Asset Management.

If you would like to sponsor the Be Proud Awards email amber.foreman@avonandsomerset.police.uk