POLICE have paid tribute to "volunteer heroes" who help to keep communities safe in South Gloucestershire.

An event was held at Keynsham Community Space on Tuesday, February 28 to celebrate the contribution of 50 volunteers from across South Gloucestershire, Bath and North East Somerset.

Certificates and pin badges were presented by Avon and Somerset's Police and Crime Commissioner, Sue Mountstevens, and Assistant Chief Constable Sarah Crew.

Seven people received a pin badge for volunteering for more than a year, while another two were given a pin and a certificate for completing more than five years’ voluntary service.

Among those recognised were several individuals who volunteer at units in South Gloucestershire.

Susan Baron was recognised for giving up her time for a year as a Volunteer Police Cadet Leader, while fellow cadet leader Andrew Hucker has completed two years in the role.

Pin badges were given to Christopher Smith and Jemima Suffolk for working in support roles for the South Gloucestershire cadets for four and three years respectively.

Wickwar's Community Speed Watch member Patricia Trull was recognised for helping to keep local roads safe by monitoring traffic speeds.

Jennifer Clark has made herself available over the past six years as a voluntary chaperone helping victims and witnesses of crime during the procedure to identify suspects through a digital ’line-up’ process.

All of the volunteers play a vital part in helping to keep the people of Avon and Somerset safe, according to Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens.

She said: “Our volunteers are people that are passionate about policing and our communities and I thoroughly enjoy working alongside them.

“Celebrating the efforts of our volunteers, who continually make a positive difference in their community, is a genuine pleasure.

"I feel it is important that local residents are given the opportunity to be involved in their local police service."

Visit the Avon and Somerset Police website here for more information about volunteering roles.