A police officer from Thetford will be among dozens of nominees to be recognised for outstanding work above and beyond the call of duty at a glittering national awards ceremony next month.

The Jane’s Police Review Gala Awards recognise and honour the work of police officers and staff across the country.

Now in its 20th year, the awards, backed by Jane’s Police Review magazine, have established themselves as the most prestigious event for recognising and rewarding excellence in community policing in the United Kingdom.

They provide an opportunity for all police forces in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland to recognise outstanding achievements of community police officers across the full spectrum of their police career – from student to the year of retirement.

One of those nominated is Thetford PC Keith Kenny in the Community Police Officer of the Year Award

PC Kenny has been described as an ‘exemplary ambassador’ for Norfolk Constabulary who goes the extra mile to raise the quality of life for local people.

He has set up many initiatives, including a new way of tackling graffiti. PC Kenny’s ‘Pubwatch’ initiative has also improved confidence among licensees, with their intelligence forming part of public order briefings.

The awards and will be at next month’s awards dinner, hosted by BBC News presenter Huw Edwards, at London’s Hilton hotel.

There is also recognition for Norfolk Police’s Diversity (Tactical) Team in the Diversity in Action Team Award.

The diversity liaison officers team has worked with Opening Doors, an organisation for people with learning difficulties, to develop a training package to combat ‘mate crime’, where offenders pose as friends of vulnerable people, often with learning disabilities, and then exploit them.