The Avon and Somerset Community policing awards have received a record number of nominations.

A massive 689 have been sent in celebrating the region's best police officers and staff – those working every day to make our neighbourhoods safer and more pleasant places to live.

In 2008, 314 forms were received in the post and on the internet for the awards organised by Avon and Somerset Police Authority and Constabulary.

And this year the awards have gone from strength to strength.

People were asked to nominate their Neighbourhood Beat Manager of the Year, PCSO of the Year, Special Constable of the Year, Neighbourhood Team of the Year and the Outstanding Customer Service Award, for anyone they feel has gone above the call of duty.

Police authority member and Somerset County Councillor Alan Ham said: "This year's response is exceptional. It really does illustrate how much our Neighbourhood Policing teams mean to the communities of Avon and Somerset.

"We would like to thank everybody that has given up their time to make a nomination. They really are helping us acknowledge the good work that is being carried out in neighbourhoods and communities across the force every day."

Assistant Chief Constable Rod Hansen added: "We are very grateful to everyone who took the time to get in touch and share their positive experience.

"It is great to have heard from so many people – this level of feedback is a real vote of confidence in individuals and teams, who are clearly making a real difference to the communities they serve."

In January, the nominations will be reviewed by an independent panel and winners will be selected for each of the six policing districts (Bristol, South Gloucestershire, Bath and North East Somerset, North Somerset, Somerset West and Somerset East).

An awards ceremony will be held next March when the overall Avon and Somerset winner for each category will be announced.

The awards have been sponsored by the Evening Post; Western Daily Press; BT; Unison; OR Consulting; Somerset County Council; Jupiter Asset Management; Rolls-Royce; Record Consultancy; Standard Life Investments; Burleigh Press; Weston College; Southwest One; The Medlock Charitable Trust; Western Provident Association and LEBC.