A POLICEMAN from Bedale and a colleague from Leyburn are local community officers of the year.

Bedale beat patrol officer PC Julian Sutcliffe, 36, returned from holiday last week to find he had been named the Hambleton district winner in an awards scheme organised by the police authority.

The Richmond area winner is Sgt Mick Rookes, who has been based at Leyburn for the last two years.

PC Sutcliffe, who joined the North Yorkshire force in 1992, was nominated for dealing with local crime and traffic issues as well as his liaison work with local councillors and the Ringmaster neighbourhood watch scheme.

He said: "What I like best about being a beat patrol officer is that you have the time and a real opportunity to get out and meet people."

A calm and competent manner backgrounds helped to secure the Richmond award for Sgt Rookes.

He joined the force in 1975 and was nominated for his work in the Leyburn area, for his 'calm and competenmt manner' with residents and visitors alike and for his communication skills, particularly with young people. He said: "Meeting and working with all kinds of people is what I enjoy most. I am honoured to have been nominated; it is nice to know I am appreciated."

They were invited to a ceremony in York's Merchant Adventurer's Hall, where PC Dave White from York was chosen to represent North Yorkshire in the national finals later in the year.