An officer who hasn’t taken a single day off sick since he joined the force 13 years ago has been crowned police community support officer of the year

PCSO Daniel McManus, who lives in St Albans was chosen as the winner after being nominated by three colleagues.

PCSO McMaanus who works in the Hemel Hempstead area

Hertfordshire Constabulary says the officer has demonstrated an "unwavering dedication" to local policing ever since he joined the force in September 2006.

Colleagues describe him as a "team player with a great work ethic", and say he is always willing to go the "extra mile".

One of PC McManus' career highlights includes being instrumental in setting up and running Dacorum’s mini police scheme, which has been in place since September 2018. Ten primary schools have already benefited from the eight-week course and there is a waiting list of others wanting to take part.

Speaking after being presented with his award, PCSO McManus said: "I would like to thank my colleague and two sergeants who all nominated me for this prestigious award.

"I have worked with a number of very hard working colleagues and partners at Hertfordshire Constabulary and it is a pleasure to serve all the people that live, work and enjoy Boxmoor, Chaulden and Hemel Hempstead as a whole.”

Sergeant Karen Mellor, who was one of three people who nominated the PCSO, said: "Daniel is everything you could wish for in an officer. He’s professional and hard-working, with a fierce motivation to provide the best service to residents, partners and businesses within his ward and a result they all know who their local officer is.

"He is a very experienced member of the team and his guidance is invaluable. He’s always willing to take new starters under his wing and he gives good advice, with a reassuring and approachable nature.

"Daniel is fully deserving of this award for his continuous dedication to the community in Dacorum. Nothing is ever too much trouble for him and he is a credit to the Constabulary."