Dedicated champions of public safety are being honoured in a new awards contest marking the end of Leicestershire Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Lord Willy Bach's term in office.

Nominations are now being sought for the PCC's Safer Community Celebration 2020 awards which recognise the outstanding contribution of community heroes across Rutland and Leicestershire.

The event, which takes place on Thursday, 30 January 2020, will honour individuals or groups for their contribution to the delivery of the PCC's Police and Crime Plan safety objectives.

Six awards will be presented during a glittering ceremony at College Court Conference Centre in Leicester.

Viable Partnerships - An individual or group who has actively collaborated with others to build strong relationships, improve engagement and respond to shared areas of work within communities.

Visible Policing - An individual or group who has worked to protect people from harm and enhance public confidence.

Victim Services - An individual or group who has worked to ensure that victims and witnesses of crime are supported.

Vulnerability Protection - An individual or group who has supported those whose circumstances mean they are unable to protect themselves from harm. Or someone who has worked to identify and raise awareness of the causes of vulnerability.

Value for Money - An individual or group who has provided effective, economic and efficient services to the PCC or their community, whilst ensuring that the social value from the provision of those services has also been maximised.

Special Recognition - An individual or group who have gone over and above their duties and made an exceptional contribution to the delivery of the Police and Crime Plan.

Willy Bach said: "This is an opportunity to shine a spotlight on all the fantastic work that takes place to improve community life and protect vulnerable people.

"Time is the most precious gift of all and many of our unsung heroes give their time freely and without reward to make a difference.

"Without their support, my work would not have the impact it needs to make a lasting difference to people's lives.

"This event marks the end of an era for me. It is perfectly fitting that I should honour and show my appreciation to those individuals and organisations which have been pivotal to my success over the last four years during this wonderful event."

Nominations will be judged by an independent panel including Willy Bach, Chief Constable Leicestershire Police Simon Cole and Strategic Director for Place, Rutland County Council, Chris Traill.

The deadline for nominations is midday on Monday, 4 November. The work included in the nomination must have been undertaken, at least in part, between May 2016 and October 2019.

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