A POLICE officer who helped to turn around the deprived former mining community where he was born has won an award.

PC Dave Barrass, 42, joined Durham Constabulary 11 years ago and spent six years as the beat officer for Pelton Fell, near Chester-le-Street.

According to Government figures, the village is officially one of the most deprived communities in the UK.

In the time he patrolled the streets, the number of incidents requiring police attention fell by more than a quarter. Overall crime went down by 20 per cent, and burglaries were halved.

Yesterday, his efforts were recognised when he was named the force's Community Officer of the Year.

PC Barrass, who is married and has two children, said: "My supervision, the parish council and residents association have all been really supportive, which has helped me build a rapport with local businesses and other agencies."

He won the award for initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life for villagers.

He arranged a drug rehabilitation programme for a heroin addict who turned to crime to feed his addiction. He also set up a football team for youngsters.

He left the village six months ago to become beat officer for nearby Pelton. "I enjoyed my time in Pelton Fell, but the new beat has given me a new set of challenges," he said.

Chief Superintendent Derek Hall said: "PC Barrass made himself a central figure in village life, a sympathetic ear and a force to be reckoned with."

PC Barrass has been nominated by the force for the national Community Officer of the Year award, organised by Police Review magazine.