COLLEAGUES of a Teesside police officer are keeping their fingers crossed that he gets put forward for a prestigious national award.

PC Steve Plant, a community officer based at Hartlepool's Church Street station, has been nominated for the Home Office Community Police Officer of the Year award.

PC Plant, who covers the town's Rift House estate, joined the community police team at the end of 2000 and is well-known for his work with Brierton Comprehensive and Rift House Primary schools.

With regular visits, presentations on bullying, peer pressure and anti-social behaviour, he is a well-respected figure of the community.

PC Plant pursuaded two persistent offenders to sign up for Hartlepool's first Acceptable Behaviour Contracts, and set up Crime Crunchers, an anti-crime club attended by more than 30 Rift House pupils.

However, it's not just residents who benefit from his pro-active approach - 200 householders received home security help from him.

Dave Horner, superintendent in charge of operation at Hartlepool, said: "We place a great emphasis on community policing. To get one of our officers even nominated is a great achievement."