Volunteers, police and members of the community were honoured at the second Safer North Hampshire Community Safety Awards.

Attendees gathered at the Harlington Centre in Fleet from across Basingstoke and Deane, Hart and Rushmoor to receive commendations for bravery, professionalism and volunteer work. In attendance to congratulate winners were the Mayor of Rushmoor, Cllr Martin Tennant, Council Leader of Hart District Council, Cllr Stephen Parker, and the Cabinet Member for Community Safety in Basingstoke, Cllr Robert Tate.

Among those honoured was a serving police officer from Basingstoke for saving the life of a vulnerable man who had intended to kill himself, and a Fleet officer, who devised a comprehensive process for finding a missing person, which has been utilised across the Hampshire Constabulary area.

Local volunteers honoured included Tony Tuck for his commitment to Neighbourhood Watch in Basingstoke and Deane, including seeking funding from the Police and Crime Commissioner and continued enthusiasm in promoting and leading Neighbourhood Watch over many years.

Other volunteers to receive awards included Community Speedwatch volunteers – Carole Godfrey from Basingstoke and Deane and Bob Wyatt from Fleet, as well as local Neighbourhood Watch coordinator Jill Graves for her tireless commitment to the cause in the Fleet area.

Two members of the public were also honoured for their bravery in intervening in an incident, which involved an armed man threatening a group of school children in Rushmoor. Their actions helped to prevent further violence and a potentially serious incident occurring.

Other attendees included Detective Chief Inspector Scott Clarke and Chief Inspectors Simon Dodds, Matt Reeves and Annabel Berry from across the Safer North Hampshire area.

Chief Superintendent David Powell said: “These award ceremonies always serve to remind me of the amazing work being done every day in every way in North Hampshire. The awards demonstrate individual and collective dedication by professionals and volunteers working together in partnership to make our communities safer.”

Speaking of the award to Tony Tuck, chair of Safer North Hants Councillor Robert Tate, said: “We are a low crime borough and take tackling any antisocial behaviour very seriously. What makes our borough safe is due, in large part, to the hours of dedication from people like Tony who work to help people feel safe in their own homes by fostering a feeling of community spirit.”