A LEADNG trading standards officer has won a national recognition for her efforts in investigating financial crime.

The Keith Hughes Award for Excellence in Financial Investigation is open to all accredited financial investigators in the UK and awards can be given to an individual or team.

And Ruth Andrews of North Yorkshire County Council was judged the "outstanding" winner.

Her drive and determination to champion victims of fraud and doorstep crime, were said to have earned her the respect of many in her field and the reputation as a trailblazer.

She has led her team to take a proactive and innovative role in implementing the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 for the confiscation of criminals’ assets and has expanded North Yorkshire’s trading standards responsibilities to encompass tackling doorstep crime and fraud.

In total her team has helped to secure confiscation orders for more than £5.5m of proceeds of crime, including cases jointly investigated with partners such as the police and the North East Regional Assets Recovery Team.

North Yorkshire’s executive member for trading standards, Clare Wood, said: "Without the drive, determination, tenacity and commitment of Ruth Andrews we would not have expanded this work as far as we have.

"In the true spirit of public service she has played a key role in fighting these kinds of crime and promoting a safer community and thriving economy across the county."

The awards ceremony in London yesterday was hosted by the Association of Chief Police Officers.