A POLICE officer who works in Bridgwater has been awarded an MBE in the New Year's Honours list.

DS Ashley (Ash) Jones made national headlines with his 'chat bench' initiative, said he was 'somewhat shocked' when he heard about the accolade.

The MBE has been awarded “for services to charity and to older people in South West England and South Wales.”

Ash, aged 49, confessed: “If I’m being honest, it was a total shock when I received the letter from the Cabinet Office informing me of my award. My initial thought was ‘why me?’

"I feel very humbled to have been selected to receive such an honour and I absolutely share it and dedicate to all those volunteers – both formal and casual – who have shared my journey with me."

Ash, who grew up in Wales, was in the RAF for 17 years before joining the police.

In 2006 he joined Avon and Somerset Police, initially working in Bristol before moving to Somerset in patrol and neighbourhood roles.

He then became a detective sergeant in the force’s new-look investigations teams.

He was based at the new Bridgwater Policing Centre.

An 18-month role as staff officer and tactical adviser to the Police and Crime Commissioner was followed by the move to become the problem-solving co-ordinator for the force.

“This is an extremely interesting role, involving the promotion and encouragement of problem solving and innovation activity at a tactical and strategic level, across the force area and encompassing all disciplines of policing business,” explained Ash.

He organises problem-solving training to all officers who join the force, organising the annual 'Solutioneering Day' – a problem-solving conference, as well as supporting events.

But his most successful venture was promoting the “Chat Bench” initiative, which was launched to coincide with the United Nations World Elder Abuse Awareness Day in June.

The aim of the project was to offer a practical solution for communities to help relieve loneliness. It encourages communities to adopt local benches as designated locations where anyone can stop and have a chat.

The idea attracted significant national and even international publicity, leading to the establishment of hundreds of “chat benches” being unveiled in Australia, Canada, the USA and Europe – all linked back to the initial bench launched in Burnham-on-Sea in May.

“I’m delighted by the uptake of the initiative and look forward to seeing how far this, most simple of problem-solving ideas develops,” said Ash.

Chief Constable Andy Marsh said: “I was thrilled to hear of the recognition of Sgt Ash Jones by way of an MBE.

“Through his career Ash has put people, communities and solving their problems at the heart of everything he has done.

"He is driven by our values of caring and learning and has helped make our communities be a better place to live.

“We are very fortunate to be able to have him as a member of our team here in Avon and Somerset Constabulary."