THREE Oxfordshire police officers have won top awards following a public vote.

Thames Valley Police received almost 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, was named Oxfordshire’s Community Officer of the Year, and was praised for running the town’s Neighbourhood Action Group.

Chinnor’s Jacky Madden was named Oxfordshire Police Community Support Officer (Pcso) of the year after residents nominated her for helping tackle youths behind vandalism and loutish behaviour.

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 this year, made by members of the public.

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.

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

Miss Madden grew up in Chinnor and has been the area’s Pcso for the past five years.

She said: “I’ve always really cared about my role and gone the extra mile for people. This recognition is for the Pcsos who really believe in their job and who provide a very good service and are accessible.

“I’m very pleased the people in Chinnor think that I’m doing a good job.”

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

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

Reading-based Insp Kevin Sinfield will represent Thames Valley Police in the national finals for community officer of the year.

mwilkinson@oxfordmail.co.uk