A POLICE officer who supported a victim of domestic violence has been honoured with a national award.

PC Amanda Holland triumphed in the Person Who Changed my Life category at the national Wow! Awards in London earlier this week.

The customer service awards honour those who have gone the extra mile and PC Holland’s win comes just two weeks after she took the overall award at Durham Police’s own awards ceremony.

The officer of 17 years first met the woman in Darlington when investigating a theft, but soon realised she was a victim in desperate need of help.

She pulled out all the stops to help the woman and built up her trust to ensure she had the right support when she was ready to report her partner.

She also arranged a hair appointment to give the woman a much-needed confidence boost.

PC Holland said: “I was quite overwhelmed. I had some stiff competition and didn’t really expect to win – I was over the moon.

“Going to the awards was a fantastic experience and it was quite humbling to hear how much good work goes on.

“At the time you are just doing what is right for the victim and you certainly don’t do it for the rewards.

“It is nice to be recognised and my victim is over the moon as well.”