A COHORT of crime fighters and crime preventers have been recognised for their hard work.

The annual High Sheriff Awards for Gwynedd and Clwyd were recently held with tributes being paid to the work of police officers and community support officers who have contributed to projects by young people in their communities.

A number of personal awards were also given as well as Crimebeat Project of the Year award in both areas.

North Wales Crimebeat launched 15 years ago to support young people to develop initiatives to make a difference in their communities.

Since 2002, over 200 grants have been awarded, over £90,000 has been invested in youth projects and over 20,000 young people have been supported with a diverse range of projects.

The funding has helped young people to make a difference to local communities at the same time as working with local policing teams to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour.

In the Gwynedd awards ceremony, which was held at Bangor University, a High Sheriff Community Service Awards was given to PCSO Paula Stewart, by Prof.Sian Hope OBE, High Sheriff of Gwynedd.

Paula Stewart was nominated due to the commitment and positivity she brings to her role as a PCSO in Penrhyndeudraeth, Beddgelert and Porthmadog.

She has been “instrumental” in arranging youth initiatives funded by Crimebeat and has several inputs to a range of community groups such as youth clubs, morning coffee meets with the elderly and young farmers clubs.

Sergeant Dana Baxter, PC Lisa Thomas, PCSO Liam Roberts, PCSO Julie Broadhead, and Iona Beckman were also nominated for their ongoing work in the region.

A High Sheriff’s personal award was also handed to PC Dewi Owen in recognition of his work as a School Community Police Officer, working with 36 schools in the Dwyfor and South Arfon area to deliver inputs on a number of safeguarding topics.