A SOUTH Oxfordshire policeman says he is humbled after being named the county’s Community Officer of the Year 2018.

PC Darren James, who clocked up his 20th year of service in March, has worked in Wantage for nearly his entire time with the force.

And, after previously being nominated for the accolade, the 44-year-old won the prestigious annual award at the Community Policing Awards last week.

He said: “I think the key is to be nominated by members of the public. I was really humbled that members of the community took the time and effort to write in on my behalf.

“I do a lot of work with the local action group and the rural community in this area and I am in regular contact with them.

“I have been nominated before but never thought I would actually win it. So I was quite taken aback – quite surprised.

“Because it’s voted for by members of the public, it means a lot.”

This year saw 400 nominations for the awards – the highest in their 17-year history – sifted through by judges.

Councillor Eric Batts, cabinet member for community safety at Vale of White Horse District Council, said: “PC James make a very important contribution to life in the Vale. His dedication to building relationships with the community and helping to keep people safe benefits many of our residents and visitors to the area. Congratulations to him, as well as to the other winners of the Community Policing Awards.”

PC James continued: “Wantage is no different to any other town: we get a level of anti-social behaviour and drug use but no more than any other town. We get burglaries and theft because we are a rural community.”

Asked about his plans for the future, he added: “We will see what opportunities arise. I can’t see myself moving from the area for another three years or so at least.

“I just want to say thank you to members of the public for voting for me.”

South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse commander Supt Rory Freeman said: “Darren is an excellent neighbourhood officer who works tirelessly for the community in Wantage.

“He has been at the forefront of tackling rural crime by getting the public, partners and police to work better together.

“The local community, some of whom nominated Darren for this award recognise his personal effort and commitment in preventing and solving crime.”

Other winners from Oxfordshire included Henry North, was named Special Constable of the Year, community and diversity officer David Hession, who won Diversity Champion of the Year, and Ali Blood, a PCSO in the Abingdon town neighbourhood team, who was named Oxfordshire’s Community Support Officer of the Year.

The nominations opened in January with members of the public, community groups, police officers and staff able to vote.