A trio of top police officers have won a prestigious award for work with the district's schoolchildren.

Constables Denise Jeakins, Kevin Moore and Steve Wynn will be presented with the High Sheriff's Award tomorrow to mark their involvement in the community.

The three are all schools' liaison officers and have proved popular among pupils eager to learn about crime prevention.

The team was set up in October and has since visited dozens of schools throughout the Basildon district.

PC Wynn said the officers were delighted to win the award.

He explained: "It's always nice to have your work recognised. We are all passionate about what we do and that means we have been able to achieve a lot."

The police officers are each responsible for an area's schools, with PC Wynn taking on Basildon, PC Jeakins responsible for Wickford and Pitsea and PC Moore looking after Billericay and Laindon.

Between them, they visit up to 50 schools every week and tackle many subjects with the pupils, from drugs awareness to vandalism.

PC Wynn said: "We also look at alcohol problems and personal safety. We explain to youngsters the fact that things like graffiti and vandalism are actually criminal damage and criminal offences. Some pupils don't fully appreciate the seriousness of what they're doing and we help strike the message home."

The team are also responsible for organising the annual Crucial Crew event and talking to youth groups such as the scouts and Army cadets.

They are about to begin training as cycle proficiency co-ordinators so they can teach the basics of road safety to young riders.

The officers will receive their award at the Essex Showground in Great Leighs, near Chelmsford, along with £500 to help with their work.

The money will be used to buy medals for all the children taking part in this year's police-organised football and netball tournaments in May.

PC Geoff Whiter, Wickford's community liaison officer, will also pick up an award for the town's Sherlock Holmes Club.

Award winners - PCs Kevin Moore, Steve Wynn and Denise Jeakins with community liaison officer Geoff Whiter

Picture: STEPHEN LLOYD

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