A POLICE support team of volunteers based on the Isle of Wight has been named as the Special Constabulary Team of the Year for 2022.

At a ceremony honouring volunteers who give up their spare time to work alongside officers and staff of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary, the team completed a combined total of 2,600 hours last year.

The volunteer officers were recognised for "showing true dedication and commitment to the communities they service and the partner agencies they support".

The team comprised Special Sergeant Claire Mumford, ASSgt Sam Howard, Special Constable Holly Deacon, SC Mike Dowden, SC Tom King, SC Zac Churches and SC Richie Foot.

Special Chief Inspector, Andrew Pullen, who nominated the team, said: “The Island's special constables are very much integrated within the police family on the Isle of Wight, and are highly respected for their voluntary work."

Alongside their operational roles responding to incidents, the team has also supported local operations, such as tackling anti-social behaviour and drink-drive campaigns.