A police volunteer who helps run the Farmwatch scheme in the Conwy Valley has scooped a regional award.
35-year-old Tomos Hughes of Cerrigydrudion was recognised at the 2010 North Wales Volunteer and Community Justice Awards for making an ‘outstanding contribution to engaging local communities and improving public confidence in the North Wales Criminal Justice System (NWCJB)’.
Tomos says he was quite surprised when he was named winner at the awards, which were held recently at Venue Cymru in Llandudno.
“I was quite shocked to win and of course very honoured,” admitted Tomos, “I received the award for the work I’ve done and continue to do around the Farmwatch scheme along with other volunteer work I do in the community.”
Despite holding a full time job as an overhead linesman for Scottish Power, Tomos not only finds time to volunteer with the force but is also a First Responder with the Welsh Ambulance Service. It is no surprise to learn that he has received recognition in the past for all his voluntary work.
It was Abergele based Sergeant Helen Madley however who nominated him this time for the NWCJB awards.
Speaking about his work with North Wales Police, Tomos said: “I did quite a lot of voluntary work with the force before I became an official police volunteer in May 2010. During this time I become heavily involved in the Farmwatch scheme in the Conwy Valley and helped launch it with PC Mark Howell-Walmsley and PCSO Michelle Williams.”
He added: “As far as the award is concerned I have to say that it really been a team effort with PCSO Williams and PC Howell-Walmsley – I really couldn’t have done it without them.”
Tomos is a Farm Watch Coordinator for West Conwy which involves working as a team with members of the local Neighbourhood Policing Team. This involves the team going out visiting farmers and residents in the surrounding rural communities.
Speaking about the awards, Business Manager for the North Wales Criminal Justice Board, Mike Mullis said: “People working in the Criminal Justice System (CJS) do an incredible job and make a dramatic difference to people’s lives. The Volunteer & Justice Awards acknowledge the exceptional work and commitment of people working in North Wales to reduce crime and improve the quality of life for local communities.”
He added: “These awards highlight that we are making huge strides in criminal justice commitments to develop partnership working and bring together the public, private and voluntary sectors. They are a real tribute to everyone involved.
