A SCHEME aimed at rewarding individuals who have made a real difference to the community and highlights outstanding work has been launched by the Kent Police Authority.

In the Safer Kent Awards scheme for 2006, there are eight categories that people who have gone the extra mile can be put forward for, from working with the elderly, tackling anti-social behaviour, improving the environment to being innovative.

The following persons can be nominated for an award: police community support officers,

special constables, Neighbourhood Watch volunteers and wardens. The winners from each category will receive a certificate and £250 towards a community project of their choice.

The authority’s awards panel will chose an overall winner to receive the Kent Police Authority Achiever of the Year award winning £500.

Last year’s winners, from Medway, were Muriel Hucks and Marco Mosca from Medway Council’s Community Safety Street Team. The duo won the Youth Involvement award in recognition for their work in youth diversion.

Muriel and Marco identified nuisance cycling and skateboarding in Rochester’s historic High Street. Alongside local housing provider (MHS Homes) a temporary skateboarding and BMX park was built to divert anti-social behaviour.

Ann Barnes, chair of the Kent Police Authority, said: “There are people in addition to regular police officers that help make neighbourhoods a safer place to live and work. Often these people are forgotten and as a society we are quick to complain but not so quick to say thank you.

"They all do a wonderful job and this is an opportunity to put someone you know forward for an award. If you know someone who has gone the extra mile then please help us to recognise their efforts by nominating them.”

Nominations close on the August 25 when a panel of judges will select the winners who will receive their awards at a ceremony in November.

You can request a nomination pack by contacting the Kent Police Authority on 01622 677055 or via email kpaclerk@kent.pnn.police.uk