Policing and Fire Minister Nick Hurd has launched the 24th annual Lord Ferrers Awards to recognise the outstanding contribution of special constables, police support volunteers and volunteer police cadets.

This year a new category has been introduced for Technical Innovation, to encourage recognition of ‘cyber specials’ and those volunteers using technology creatively to combat the changing nature of crime.

Lancashire Constabulary has more than 2000 volunteers working across its headquarters and divisions. Eighteen year old police cadet, Mateusz Strzeszewski from Blackburn, was shortlisted in last year’s Lord Ferrers award for his commitment to his cadet unit.

In 2016, almost 300 nominations were submitted by police forces across England and Wales, and for the first time, members of the public could also recommend volunteers for their service.

Policing and Fire Minister, Nick Hurd said: “Policing has a long and proud history of volunteers and the Lord Ferrers Awards are an opportunity to recognise and celebrate their achievements.

“Every day special constables, police support volunteers and volunteer police cadets make a selfless contribution to tackling crime and supporting police forces.

“I urge police officers and members of the public to nominate police volunteers who they think have made an outstanding contribution to their communities for an award.”

The awards ceremony, sponsored by Police Mutual, will take place in London in November 2017. Winners will be presented with their awards by Home Office Ministers, senior officials and Chief Police Officers.

Members of the public have until midnight on Sunday 17 September to make nominations. To nominate please visit http://www.homeofficesurveys.homeoff...ardsNomination