Police in south Bristol have won an award for the way they tackle cannabis growing in the city.

The drugs team have scooped the Home Office award for Best Practice Against Commercial Cultivation of Cannabis.

It builds on the success of last year when they won Best Practice Against Street Level Dealing.

Inspector Caroline Bullen, of Avon and Somerset Constabulary, said: "Winning this award demonstrates the success of our approach working with partners and the public to tackle drug supply in south Bristol.

"We are really pleased that we have been recognised for our efforts again this year and hope to continue our success into 2010."

Over the past year the team have executed more than 100 warrants targeting cannabis factories, resulting in the seizure of 4,500 cannabis plants and 7.5kg of cannabis. Large quantities of other drugs were also recovered plus cash in excess of £31,000.

As a result of the team's dedication and commitment, intelligence reports stated that cannabis was in short supply in parts of the area due to the relentless police raids and associated actions.

Because of the great results of the operation, information has continued to flow from the local community through the strong personal relationships established by the neighbourhood policing teams.

During the past year police have been able to identify gang members and the structures of their organisations which in one case resulted in the removal of a significant drug dealing gang in Bristol.

"The continued support of the vigilant members of the local community is essential in helping us to tackle drugs-related crime in the future," said inspector Bullen. "If members of the public see anything suspicious in their neighbourhoods they should contact the police or the charity Crimestoppers where they can report anonymously."