The Kent Special Constabulary has been given the Queen's award for Voluntary Service in recognition of its service to residents across Kent.

The volunteer officers at Kent Police have been awarded the prestigious award, which holds status of a collective MBE for the group.

The Kent Constabulary are the only special constabulary to have ever been presented the award.

The specials were nominated by the public, on the advice of the Cabinet Office, following a rigorous nine-month assessment process.

The nominees were assessed on leadership and organisation, what the volunteers achieved, and the difference they made to the community.

The officers were recognised for providing innovative, community focused policing to the people of Kent.

Chief Officer Gavin McKinnon of the Kent Special Constabulary said: “We are very proud of our achievement of this hallmark of excellence.

"It brings recognition to the hard work, dedication and commitment that volunteer police officers in Kent demonstrate every day."

"I have worked across four different police forces in my career and unquestionably the Kent Special Constabulary is the best I have ever seen" - Alan Pughsley, Kent's Chief Constable

The force's Specials perform a range of different types of specialist police work including motorway policing, marine, the dog unit as well as neighbourhood policing and response to emergency calls.

There are 320 Special Officers across Kent. Each Special is required to carry out a minimum of 16 hours a month, however, in the last year a handful of individuals carried out 60-70 hours per month of voluntary police work.

The Constabulary are extremely proud to receive this award, labelling it a fantastic achievement.

The Minister for Policing & Criminal Justice the Rt Hon Damian Green said: “It is wonderful news for Kent, and it is wonderful news for the Special Constabulary nationally."