A police constable for Ashtead has been recognised for his tireless commitment to his community.

PC Jason Woods has been awarded the Ben Sutton Community Police Officer of the Year Award which was presented to him at the Surrey Police Chief’s Commendations ceremony, at Guildford Cathedral on Wednesday, 9 November 2011.

PC Woods, who is now the Neighbourhood Specialist Officer for Goodwyns, Holmwood and Chartdown, became a well-known figure during his time in Ashtead, regularly attracting more than 60 members of the public to his local Neighbourhood Panel meetings. PC Woods, who used to patrol on his bike, involved himself with younger members of the community, organising a sponsored cycle race to raise funds to buy two minibuses for the local youth club.

He was also praised for the way he forged excellent relationships with local traders, making a point of regularly visiting vulnerable premises.

Mole Valley Neighbourhood Inspector Terri Poulton said: “This award is well-deserved. “Jason is one of the best all-round officers in the Force, balancing the skills of engagement, education and enforcement.

“He took great pride in keeping Ashtead’s crime figures low and used his extensive local knowledge to ensure that he not only achieved a very high arrest rate, but also used his discretion to deal informally with low level issues.”