TWO members of the Thornbury police team have been honoured for their outstanding work by Avon and Somerset Police and PCC Sue Mountstevens.

The Be Proud awards, which reward 19 individuals and six teams for their hard work in ensuring the communities of Avon and Somerset are safe and feel safe, were presented on Thursday, May 17, with PC Ross Calderwood and special constable Tony Millington both being recognised as the most worthy among the finalists.

Having been nominated for the “Neighbourhood Officer of the Year” award for his “refreshing approach to his role as a beat manager”, PC Calderwood was presented with the award for being “relentless in addressing criminality, improving public safety by targeting the most wanted and outstanding offenders and supporting his local residents”.

He said: “I feel really proud to have been nominated and I’m also grateful to receive the support for what I am doing from the management team.”

Meanwhile, the “Special Constable of the Year” award went to Tony Millington, who was described as a “great asset to the beat team” in the area, having worked hard to tackle drug crime, vehicle crime, anti-social behaviour and other community concerns”.

After receiving the award, he said: “I can only do what I do because of the team. I’m proud to be a part of it and to provide that link between the force and the community.”

The star-studded event kicked off with video well wishes from Olympian, Amy Williams MBE, presenter Carol Vorderman MBE and comedian Stephen Merchant, with BBC Radio Bristol’s Emma Britton compering the evening.

PCC Sue Mountstevens said: “I always consider it a privilege to be in a room with so many inspirational, selfless and dedicated people. To everyone who works relentlessly to support the policing effort, you make such a difference, thank you to all of you.

“The Be Proud Awards are really important to us because the nominations come from members of the public, internal colleagues and external partners. I want to thank everyone who took the time to contact us with your compliments and nominations.

“To everyone who was nominated, all of this year’s finalists and to our overall Avon and Somerset winners, I wish you sincere congratulations.”

Chief Constable Andy Marsh said: Chief Constable Andy Marsh said: “The Be Proud awards recognise some of our unsung heroes who have done remarkable work and it was great to take the time to celebrate their achievements.

“These awards are a tribute to every police officer, staff member and volunteer within Avon and Somerset who show commitment to making a difference in our communities.

“Hearing stories like the ones this evening inspire me every day. I don’t take it for granted and I am proud to lead such dedicated and professional teams.”