An Oxford community beat police officer - who is one of the city's most popular bobbies - is to receive the Queen's Police Medal for his outstanding contribution to the city.Pc Paul Phillips at St Aldate's police station

Pc Paul Phillips was recognised in this year's Queen's Birthday Honours after he was nominated for the prestigious award by Peter Neyroud, the Chief Constable of Thames Valley Police.

Pc Phillips -- voted one of Britain's top beat officers in 2003 -- has helped significantly reduce begging, rough sleeping and anti- social behaviour in his role as Oxford's residential and homeless liaison officer.

Mr Neyroud said: "Paul's dedication and commitment to policing has made a positive impact in the community he serves. To receive this award is a magnificent achievement for him. He is an excellent police officer and has demonstrated how community policing can make a difference."

Pc Phillips, who has been in the force for 22 years, said he was delighted. He said: "I got a letter from the Home Office about a week before it was made public and that was the first I knew about it.

"I was told I couldn't tell anyone until the Queen's birthday, so I had to keep it secret for a week, which was really hard."

He said his success was down to teamwork with other officers and agencies in the city centre.

He said: "I couldn't have done a lot of things without their support. I love the work I do and it's very rewarding to see the positive results that can be achieved, so to receive the medal is a great bonus."

Pc Phillips, who is married to Lynda and has two children, James, 14, and Hannah, 11, also thanked his family. He said: "They're really excited and proud for me."

Chief Supt David Mc- Whirter, the county's police commander, said Pc Phillips had a unique blend of personal and professional skills and a personality which everyone warmed to.