A RUNCORN beat bobby has won police officer of the year in Cheshire Constabulary’s achieving Cheshire excellence awards event.

PC Dawn Taylor won the coveted title for tackling anti-social behaviour.

The prestigious awards recognise officers, staff and volunteers who have gone above and beyond the line of duty.

The event saw 16 individuals and teams commended.

PC Taylor is an anti-social behaviour officer in Runcorn.

A citation read at the awards on September 15 said: "Anti-social behaviour is a significant priority within the communities of Runcorn and requires a positive approach to its management to maintain the confidence of our communities.

"Dawn recognises this and has led a real drive to protect the community from harm, particularly those who are repeat victims and vulnerable members of society.

"Dawn is inspirational in the way she works and has made an outstanding contribution to this area of work."

Chief Constable Simon Byrne said: “I believe that Cheshire Constabulary employs some of the best men and women in the country and these awards reflect the dedication and commitment I see every day from our officers and staff.

“All of those nominated had truly gone above and beyond the call of duty to support victims of crime, or their wider communities and deserve recognition.

“Those who won the awards were truly the ‘best of the best’.”

PC Ian Blanchard who rescued a woman in crisis on the M62 received the putting the public first award

Cheshire’s police motorcycle team was hailed team of the year for helping to make roads safer.

Teacher Thomas Gilbertson won special constable of the year.

Cheshire Search and Rescue team were named volunteers of the year for the extraordinary lengths they go to in supporting the search for missing people.

Police and Crime Commissioner David Keane said “Having been able to spend time with officers, staff and volunteers, I am enormously impressed by the work undertaken to keep our communities safe and am humbled by the commitment shown.