A HARD-WORKING policeman in Frampton Cotterell has been nominated for a top honour within the police force.

Beat manager Dave Barraclough could be crowned beat manager of the year after being nominated by a mystery supporter.

PC Barraclough took over the Frampton Cotterell patch, which includes Coalpit Heath and Westerleigh, five years ago and has been responsible for some major police breakthroughs and pioneering projects.

In October, he discovered makeshift weaponry including a hammer, bats and metal bars, in hedgerows in Crossbow Park.

Police believe the weapons were being stored for a planned fight involving up to 200 youths from different schools.

He told the Gazette: "I feel very humble to have been nominated. It has not been particularly busy in Frampton Cotterell this year but there have been quite a number of high profile incidents."

PC Barraclough, 48, has been pushing for a number of youth shelters to give young people somewhere to go for three years and is close to getting permission for them granted.

"The decision will be the result of public opinion but I am hoping we are nearly there," he said.

"The shelters will give early to late teenagers places to meet and will hopefully reduce anti-social behaviour in the area.

"The areas will be structured and easy to police without the youngsters realising it."

PC Barraclough joined Avon and Somerset police 22 years ago after serving 10 years with the Royal Marines.

He is due to retire next year and said winning this award would be the icing on the cake of a long career.

"It would be fantastic," he said. "It is very humbling to have been nominated but it would be nice to have the recognition if I won."

Nominations are still being received for the awards, which will also honour the best police community support officer, special constable, neighbourhood team and outstanding service team of the year.

Chief Constable Colin Port said: "These awards are about recognising the real difference that members of our neighbourhood teams are making to our communities on a daily basis.

"The response from the public so far has been excellent but there is still time to vote for an individual or a team who you think deserves recognition."

Visit www.communitypolicingawards.org or collect a nomination form from the front office of any police station across the force area.

An awards ceremony will be held on March 10 at Cadbury House in Congresbury when winners will be announced.