A POLICE volunteer based in Stockton Heath and a roads policing officer from Great Sankey are among those shortlisted for one of Cheshire Constabulary's highest accolades.

The Achieving Cheshire Excellence (ACE) Awards are presented to an individual or team who have gone that extra mile in the force and for the first time the public can vote for some of the categories.

Janice Tickle and Paul Flannery have been named in the Community Thank You award.

Janice, who previously worked as a data analyst, has been a volunteer since 2010 when she joined Stockton Heath Police Station and is often said to be 'the first one in and the last one out'.

She volunteers two days a week and has been praised for 'producing valuable insights that without her wouldn’t be achievable'.

Paul works alongside officers at Warrington Police Station helping to deter young people away from anti-social behaviour and into sport and other activities.

He has been an important driving force in helping to run the Victoria Park Experience in Latchford, the Westy Boxing Club and a number of other sports projects in the town.

Roads policing officer Ian Blanchard, who in based at Penketh, has been shortlisted in the Putting the Public First award.

The 42-year-old hit the headlines when he risked his life to rescue a woman from the path of a lorry on the M62 in July 2015.

Chief constable Simon Byrne said: “These awards are a great way of recognising individuals or teams who have gone that extra mile, giving them the recognition they undoubtedly deserve.

“We have some truly outstanding officers and staff here in Cheshire, and I want to encourage members of the public to get involved and have their say on who they think deserves special recognition for the work they have done in the communities of Cheshire."

Police and crime commissioner David Keane added: “It is only right that we celebrate those who embody the very best in public service.

"Recognition and praise is crucial in ensuring that everyone involved in the Constabulary stays driven and continues to deliver the best possible policing service for our communities.”

The winners will be announced on Thursday, September 15, at the Carden Park hotel in Broxton.

To vote visit cheshire.police.uk/aceawards.