YOUR local bobby on the beat needs your nomination in the police officer of the year awards.

Thames Valley Police has launched its Community Policing Awards and appealed for the public to name officers who have excelled or deserve recognition.

Last year, Oxford Pc Matthew Sulley was named Student Officer of the Year and Bicester’s Nikki Entwistle won Oxfordshire Community Officer of the Year.

Members of the public can nominate in categories including community officer, police community support officer, special constable of the year, volunteer and student officer of the year.

The community officer of the year will be put forward for the national competition, run by Jane’s Police Review magazine, with the winner receiving £3,000 as a bursary to travel to another country to find out about different styles of community policing.

A police spokesman said: “The judges are looking for candidates who have run initiatives that have successfully tackled crime and disorder and helped to build excellent relationships with the community.”

Forms are available at police stations and libraries or online at thamesvalley.police.uk