AN award ceremony to publicise the good work done by police and community officers was held last night.

Fourteen Divisional Commander's Certificate of Merit awards were handed out at Swindon's Basic Command Unit (BCU) Awards Ceremony at the Steam railway museum in Swindon - an event that organisers hope will become a regular feature.

Recipients included a Detective Constable who secured a conviction in a rape case, a constable who obtained an admission of 87 offences from one offender, officers involved in tackling drug offences, and two PCSOs who, despite being off-duty, helped stricken motorists in last summer's flooding.

The awards were presented by Chief Supt Paul Howlett, BCU commander, who said it was important to publicly recognise the good work of police officers and those who work with them.

He said: "It was very important to me to have this open to the public so that they can see just what a breadth of services are provided and how hard these people work.

"It's also nice for it to be a family occasion - it makes it less of a formal, stuffy affair and makes it even more special for those receiving awards.

"It's something that we would like to do three or four times a year."

Swindon Council leader Rod Bluh said it was an honour to be asked to hand out the awards. He said: "I'm very pleased to be here tonight and to recognise the good work that has been done.

"The partnerships between the council and the police and with the police and other organisations represented here tonight really make a difference."

Chief inspector of neighbourhood policing, Paul Mills, said he was pleased to see PCSOs being recognised alongside police officers.

He said: "It's very important because sometimes PCSOs don't get the recognition they deserve.

"The variety of work undertaken by PCSOs and the value of that is definitely something that is worthy of being highlighted. I'm delighted for the two lads who got an award this evening."

Members of a number of community groups from around Swindon came to the event, many of them to congratulate Insp Bob Markham.

Insp Markhamwas given his award in recognition of his achievements with the community of Swindon, particularly those residents from a minority ethnic background.

Gilly Lambert, chairman of the Swindon Race Coalition, said: "Bob has done some great work in the community and it's good to see that recognised."

Keith Hollands was one of those recognised for his hard work in reducing drug dealing on the streets of Swindon.

Mr Hollands, a disclosure officer, was in charge of keeping in order all documents related to a proactive drug operation which resulted in 12 warrants and a total of 17 years imprisonment for drug dealers around Swindon.

He said: "It's very pleasing to have your work recognised - I think the ceremony is a great idea and shows the important work done by the police."