Top cop Nicki Entwistle has been named Thames Valley Police's community officer of the year for Oxfordshire - and could now be crowned one of the best in the UK.

The 36-year-old specialist neighbourhood officer, who has been with Bicester police for six years, was one of 138 local bobbies and police staff in a competition to find the best officer in the county.

Nominees were judged on the relationships they had forged with local communities and the initiatives they had introduced.

Ms Entwistle, who lives with her husband Craig and their two children, eight-year-old George and six-year-old Lily, was been recognised for her work and commitment to her Bicester beat.

She said: "I got a call from Oxfordshire commander Chief Supt Shaun Morley. At first I did not know why he was ringing me as I was at home. Once he said it was good news I still didn't know what he was talking about - then he told me about the award and I was really pleased."

Neighbourhood Sgt Steve Birchall nominated Ms Entwistle for the outstanding contribution she has made to the crime reduction partnership, running her own team of police community support officers and setting up operations like test alcohol purchasing.

Sgt Birchall said: "Nicki is well-known throughout the town and widely respected by the community and her colleagues alike.

"This is a very popular award and I am delighted she has been recognised in this way."

She has now been put forward to the national competition and stands the chance of winning £3,000 bursary to travel to another country to learn about different styles of community policing.

She said: "Being able to make a difference is really important to me and I try and achieve this with every operation and initiative I set up.

"The next step in my career will be going for promotion to sergeant."