IF you know someone – a local police officer, watch co-ordinator or member of the public – who deserves an award for the work they have done to make your neighbourhood safer, then Hertfordshire Police Authority would like to hear from you. It has launched

IF you know someone - a local police officer, watch co-ordinator or member of the public - who deserves an award for the work they have done to make your neighbourhood safer, then Hertfordshire Police Authority would like to hear from you.

It has launched the Safer Neighbourhood Awards to recognise outstanding contributions made towards community safety.

There are four categories:

* Community Safety Award (for volunteer members of the public)

* Watch Co-ordinator of the Year

* Neighbourhood Police Officer of the Year

* Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) of the Year

Heats will be run in each of Hertfordshire's 10 boroughs or districts, with the winners in each category going forward to the county finals in June.

The winning police officers will also be entered in Jane's Police Review national annual competition.

Chair of Hertfordshire Police Authority, Ian Laidlaw-Dickson, said: "We want to recognise officially, and acknowledge the selfless contribution made by members of the public and the often unsung work undertaken by police officers above and beyond the call of duty. Their work contributes greatly towards making Hertfordshire a safe place in which to live, work or visit."

If you would like to nominate someone, write to: Hertfordshire Police Authority, FREEPOST, ANG 6281, Hertford SG13 8YS (no stamp required), or ring 01992 556600, fax 01992 555625 or go to website: www.hertfordshire-police-authority.org.uk

Email: enquiries.hpa@herts.pnn.police.uk

The closing date for nominations is May 11.