THE eight district winners of the North Yorkshire Community Police Officer of the Year Awards have been announced.

The top beat bobbies were nominated by residents, community groups, police supervisors and organisations working with the police.

The Hambleton winner was PC Bob Adams.

Senior officers say PC Adams has become a well-known figure in and around Easingwold and surrounding villages.

As a result of the officer's work to tackle anti-social behaviour, 17 people were arrested for offences including burglary, theft and criminal damage.

He has also helped reduce the number of boy racers in the area and worked with local licensees to reduce under-age drinking.

PC Lee Featherstone, who covers the Catterick Garrison and Colburn area, has scooped the Richmondshire award for the second year running.

PC Featherstone won the award after introducing a number of initiatives to tackle anti-social behaviour.

He has developed contacts with the military and every two weeks speaks to 200 recruits at Catterick Garrison.

He also has a regular slot on the Garrison radio station.

After finding out woodland walks in his area were being frequented by drug users, he obtained a bicycle to patrol the paths.

The other district winners were PC Graham Wilson, from Craven; Sergeant Mark Gee, from Harrogate; PC Roy Brown, from Ryedale; PC Sara Widdrington, from Scarborough; PC John Hart, from Selby and PC Howard Smelt-Webb, from York.

The awards will be presented at a dinner at Duncombe Park, Helmsley, on September 23.

The overall winner will go on to represent the force at national awards in November.