Your local bobbie needs your support in the search to find the best police officer in the country.

Thames Valley Police has launched its Community Policing Awards this week.

The winners will be pitted against the top officers from across the country in the national finals.

Nominees will be judged on the relationships they have built with local communities and the initiatives they have introduced to reduce crime and disorder.

The more nominations that candidates receive, the more likely they are to be short-listed.

Thames Valley's Assistant Chief Constable Nick Gargan said: "This is a chance for everyone to recognise the vital work done within neighbourhoods in Oxfordshire. The competition will be fierce and I look forward to selecting deserving winners."

There will be five winners - one in each category - including community officer of the year, Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) of the year, Special Constable of the year, volunteer of the year and student officer of the year.

The winner of the community officer will be put forward to a national competition and stands the chance of winning a £3,000 bursary to travel to another country and learn about different styles of community policing.

Nominations need to be submitted by Friday, April 18. Forms are available at Oxfordshire's police stations and libraries or online at thamesvalley.police.uk