WELLINGTON Neighbourhood Policing Team Sergeant Dan Bishop has been presented with a top award in recognition of his work in boosting community relations.

Dan was presented with the Ray Robinson Award during the Avon and Somerset Constabulary Force Awards Ceremony held by new Chief Constable Sarah Crew at Police Headquarters in Portishead.

The Ray Robinson Trophy is awarded annually to the police officer or group of officers whom it is judged have made the greatest contribution to community relations outside of the Bristol area. Ray Robinson retired from Avon and Somerset Constabulary in 1978 due to ill health, but from his retirement until he died, Ray worked tirelessly within the community, especially with those who were mentally handicapped.

During the award ceremony, also attended by Police and Crime Commissioner Mark Shelford and Mrs S J Davies BEM, High Sheriff of Bristol, Neighbourhood Superintendent Paul Underhill read a citation which outlined some of Dan’s notable achievements.

He said: "Dan is a diligent and conscientious leader who puts the needs of the public and his team at the very top of his priorities. He has built a Neighbourhood team that reflects his own standards that are delivering Neighbourhood Policing to the very highest standards. This has been demonstrated in various community events and operations led by Dan which make it clear to see that Dan is an integral piece of the picture in terms of keeping the community of Wellington safe and delivering policing to an excellent standard to that community.

"Dan is always willing to step up and assist his colleagues in other areas and it seems an understatement to say that he is an absolute credit to the Somerset West Neighbourhood Policing Team and Avon and Somerset Constabulary, but most of all he is pivotal in the maintaining the safe communities he serves and the trust they have in the Police."

Sgt Bishop said he was surprised and honoured to receive the award believing it was a reflection of the dedicated, hard-working police officers and PCSOs which make up the Wellington Neighbourhood Policing Team. Dan said without these outstanding officers he would not be able to do his job or deliver the service the communities of Wellington and the surrounding areas deserve.