PC Phil Eyles, who runs the town’s Shopsafe scheme with retailers, was surprised to find he had even been nominated, but judges were impressed enough with his work to shortlist him for the accolade.

He said: “I really had no idea I was in the running for the competition, let alone that the judges had put me forward against the nominees from the rest of the Force. I am really surprised and very flattered to have the work I do, along with a great team both in the Force and the town, recognised in this way.”

Independent retailer Liz Chandler of Nature’s Corner, Bartholomew Street, Newbury, praised Phil’s dedication and good humour in her letter of nomination. She said: “He fully relishes his role as community officer and has had a huge impact on achieving a low crime rate in the Newbury area, by working tirelessly on the Shopsafe scheme.

“He always makes himself available, even if it is not within his normal working hours. He regularly visits to ensure he is up to date with any problems or questions. As a retailer we are indebted to his efforts to reduce shoplifting and anti-social behaviour in Newbury.”

PC Eyles saw off competition from PC Michelle Norman, of the patrol responsible for the estates in Newbury and Thatcham, and PC Shane Cooke, who as town centre patrol leader, is keen to stamp out drinking in public places, and anti-social behaviour among nightime revellers.

PC Eyles will receive an award from assistant Chief Constable Michael Page, head of Community Services.

ACC Page said: “This award gives Thames Valley Police the chance to highlight the valuable work of community police officers.

“We know that members of the public value their community officers and that they carry out a vital job in our villages and towns.

“We have worked hard to increase the number of officers on the streets, by increasing recruits and returning operationally fit officers from their desk jobs at the station and putting them back out on the beat and this year the awards are even more pertinent, as we are restructuring our police boundaries under the Challenge and Change project. This is to ensure we work more closely with local authorities to provide better neighbourhood policing. Good community officers will be at the core of our new approach.”

However, the Thames Valley’s overall winner, a WPC from Chiltern Vale, will go to the national final.