Police volunteers from across the region came together earlier this month to celebrate their contributions to their communities.

The South West Region Volunteers in Policing Awards, hosted by Wiltshire Police, took place at the STEAM Museum in Swindon on October 20.

The event recognised the dedication of special constables, police support volunteers, police cadets, and cadet leaders from Avon and Somerset, Gloucestershire, Devon and Cornwall, Dorset, Wiltshire, and the British Transport Police.

The award winnersThe award winners (Image: Dominic Parkes/Wiltshire Police) Volunteer award nominees, high-ranking officials, and guests enjoyed performances by the Highworth and Ramsbury Brass Band and Swindon-based Pop Soul Gospel Choir.

Chief Constable Catherine Roper said: "It is a true honour to have hosted this year’s awards in Swindon on behalf of the South West region in recognition of all the dedicated and hard-working volunteers, who continue to give their precious free time to keeping our communities safe.

"It’s been truly inspiring to celebrate the individual contributions of our volunteers who have chosen to dedicate themselves to uplifting others, creating ripples of positivity which have gone further than their direct impact.

"I congratulate all nominees and award winners. These awards provide a fantastic opportunity to pay tribute to the dedication and commitment of our volunteers and we simply could not serve our communities without them.

"I am so very grateful for all they do."

Special Constable Damien Penman of Wiltshire Police receiving his Innovation in Policing award on stage with Chief Constable Catherine RoperSpecial Constable Damien Penman of Wiltshire Police receiving his Innovation in Policing award on stage with Chief Constable Catherine Roper (Image: Dominic Parkes/Wiltshire Police) Swindon and Wiltshire's police and crime commissioner, Philip Wilkinson, added: "Volunteering places citizens at the heart of policing, giving the public a greater voice and enabling ordinary people to play an active role in the safety of their local area.

"It is without doubt that no police force could run effectively without the support and dedication of its army of volunteers who each bring a wealth of skills and experience from their civilian lives to enhance and complement the work in our respective police areas.

"My congratulations and appreciation to all our award winners and nominees for the contribution they are making to make our region a better and safer place to live."

The event also saw the involvement of New College Swindon's first-year graphic design students who took part in a competition to create the branding for the awards.

Erika Mihalache was chosen as the winner and attended the ceremony.

Chief Constable Catherine Roper and New College Swindon graphic design student Erika MihalacheChief Constable Catherine Roper and New College Swindon graphic design student Erika Mihalache (Image: Dominic Parkes/Wiltshire Police) Wiltshire police cadets assisted at the event with car parking duties and signing in guests.

Neighbourhood harm reduction lead, Jenn Holton, said: "I am incredibly proud of, and passionate about, our volunteers in policing because they embody the spirit of community service and dedication to public safety."