THE dedication and initiative of Gorleston police officer has been recognised after he won a string of nominations for a prestigious national award.

Jane’s Police Review Gala Awards are the most influential awards in policing. This year’s event will take place in London next month and will be attended by home secretary Theresa May.

Three Norfolk officers and one team have been nominated after winning praise for going beyond the call of duty to serve the public.

Mrs May said: “Police officers across the country demonstrate commitment and courage on a daily basis. These awards rightly celebrate special examples of dedication and bravery.”

PC Jason Howell, based in Gorleston, has been shortlisted for Community Police Officer of the Year.

He won praise for enlisting the help of a reformed criminal to tackle shoplifting. Working with the offender, he was able to identify why certain stores were targeted at certain times and helped retailers protect their businesses.

He overhauled the town’s CCTV system and organised a Christmas “shopwatch” scheme to help the force build up intelligence about known troublemakers.

Chief constable Phil Gormley said: “Jason is an asset to the town of Gorleston, to Norfolk Constabulary and indeed to the wider police service.”

The Magdalen and Bradwell local delivery unit and the NHS Great Yarmouth and Waveney Bradwell district nursing team has also been shortlisted in the Diversity in Action category. This follows Operation Comfort, designed to protect vulnerable elderly people for anti-social behaviour.