TWO North Oxfordshire police officers have won top awards, after being voted for by the public.

Thames Valley Police received around 300 nominations from residents across five categories in its annual policing awards.

PC Caroline Brown, who is the neighbourhood officer for 38 villages near Bicester, won Oxfordshire’s community officer of the year, and was praised for running the town’s neighbourhood action group.

And retired Special Constable Bill Collins, based at Kidlington, was named Thames Valley Police volunteer of the year for a carrying out a range of roles across the force.

There were 281 nominations made by members of the public this year, which is more than 50 per cent more than the number of names put forward in the competition in 2008.

Deputy Chief Constable Francis Habgood, one of the judges for this year’s competition, said: “I am delighted by the volume of nominations that we received.

“Strengthening neighbourhood policing, so that it better responds to local needs and improves public confidence, is a key objective for Thames Valley Police.

“The range and breadth of activities that these special people have been involved in is staggering.”

PC Brown, who was awarded a long-service medal last month after 22 years in the force, said: “I am pleased but also shocked. I’ve only been doing my job after all.

“It was total disbelief as I didn’t even know I had been nominated. But it is great to think people believe I am worthy of such an award.”