Hundreds of nominations have been gathered and the judges have made some tough decisions in the second annual Avon and Somerset Community Policing Awards.

A total of 314 nominations were made to celebrate the region's best police officers and staff – those working every day to make our neighbourhoods safer and more pleasant places to live.

In the first of five features, the Western Daily Press today reveals the Outstanding Customer Service district award winners.

With smiles on their faces, no job is too much trouble for these fine individuals.

The judging panel was made up of Avon and Somerset Police Authority chairwoman Dr Moira Hamlin; authority member Cllr Alan Ham; Daily Press assistant editor Andy Smith and Mike Parfitt, head of marketing, central government and home affairs for one of the awards' sponsors, BT.

They were looking for a high level of professionalism and exceptional customer care.

The panel rewarded those who gave people a positive impression of themselves and the force, who exceeded public expectations and, among other things, monitored and solved problems and issues.

Mr Smith said: "Although the winners carry out different roles within Avon and Somerset police, they all have admirable characteristics in common.

"They are always helpful and hard-working, set an excellent example to their colleagues and the public and are key in making the force run as best it can."

Overall winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on March 5 at Cadbury House, Congresbury.

South Gloucestershire

Winner: Sheryl Drewitt

Highly Commended: Ross Rugman

Highly commended in the first Community Policing Awards, PCSO Sheryl Drewitt went one better this year to win the district award.

Filton residents are eternally grateful for her help in organising the alley gate scheme at the end of Mackie Road.

Town councillor Douglas Daniels said: "PCSO Sheryl Drewitt has made a significant impression on the Filton community with her dedication and enthusiasm to serve the local populace. Nothing has been beyond her capacity to assist."

Championing the awards before Christmas, PCSO Drewitt said: "The police sometimes get criticised, so when we do a good job it's nice to get recognition for our hard work."

Tess Wilson

Tess Wilson is a busy Police Constable in Wellington, Somerset.

"I was completely surprised but delighted to have won," she said. "I saw my colleagues in Somerset get put forward for the awards last year. I'm extremely proud because of the fact it comes from the community."

PC Wilson works with nine parish councils in her mainly rural patch, dealing with issues such as rural burglary and theft.

She is one of the champions of the Rural Watch scheme, which encourages people to mark and register their property in case it is stolen.

Nominator, Wellington Youth Centre's Ben Orszag-Land, said: "She is brilliant. She has a very firm and positive relationship with the young people with whom she is in contact.

"At the youth centre we like Tess because she is extremely dedicated and is very understanding of young people. She is compassionate and concerned about the lives of the young people she serves and because of that she is able to influence their life chances."

Gavin Jennings

Gavin Jennings was highly commended in last year's awards but went one better this year.

Based at Burnham-on-Sea police station, he supports the police community support officers, PCs and Sergeants.

By doing administrative work, as well as many things, over and above his job description, he is very popular within the neighbourhood team.

The 40-year-old said: "I was very chuffed and pleasantly surprised. It's a pleasure to work within the neighbourhood team, make a difference within the community and gain their trust and confidence."

As a former special constable, traffic warden and front desk worker, he draws on a wealth of experience.

Claire Chambers said: "He always goes above and beyond what his job requires, giving colleagues an outstanding level of support, but will also consistently give members of the public his full attention.

"He has worked for Avon and Somerset for decades, so has fantastic knowledge of the service, law etc. and will always pass on advice."