A POLICEMAN who "truly reflects all that is best in a modern community beat officer" was recognised with the top honour in the Safe Community category.

Pc Andy Reid has been serving the communities of Kingsclere, Headley and Ashford Hill for almost two years. Several people sent letters outlining why they thought he was the right candidate for the award.

Proposer, Inspector Adrian Gatehouse, wrote: "I consider that Andy Reid fully meets the skills and qualities required as a community constable. He has fully demonstrated these attributes, not only to his colleagues, but also to the greater public.

"He performs very well in internal performance statistics, but more importantly he is very highly respected by the public he serves.

"He has not only assisted in dealing with anti-social behaviour and confronting criminality, but he has also engendered public reassurance. This officer has reduced the fear of crime by his enthusiasm and getting the job done."

Kingsclere parish council chairman Alan Denness wrote that Pc Reid had made a "very significant impact" on the wellbeing of Kingsclere, and praised him for his "sympathetic rapport" with the village youth.

Letters from residents, school headteachers and other members of Hampshire Constabulary were also received in support of Pc Reid's nomination.

After accepting the award, a modest Pc Reid said: "It's obviously very nice to be recognised for your work, but all I've been doing at the end of day is what I'm being paid for. There are people in the job who are doing far more than me.

"I see it more as an award for the community. There are problems in the community, but by working together we can actually solve some of these problems, or at least improve them."

Article first published on Thursday, April 1, 2004