RESIDENTS in Abingdon can rest assured they have the best PCSO in the Thames Valley Police.

Ali Blood, who has been a familiar sight in the town for the past decade, was named not only Oxfordshire’s community support officer of the year at this month’s Community Policing Awards but took the overall prize for the best in the force as well.

She said: “I still can’t believe it. I didn’t know I had even been nominated so was stunned when I got the letter.

"For me it’s massive that local people have taken the time to put me forward for this.”

Although the awards were ultimately decided by a panel of judges led by Assistant Chief Constable Nikki Ros it was members of the public, community groups, police officers and staff who sent in the more than 400 nominations across 11 categories.

PCSO Blood is part of team of three community support officers who cover Abingdon and said her favourite part of the job is being out there with the public.

She said: “Out of the nine hour shift I try to spend seven or eight of them out of the office walking the town centre on foot.

"I've been based in Abingdon the entire time and it's a great place to live and work."

Explaining the role of a PCSO, she added: “I think we really fill the traditional image of the bobby out on the beat and people often stop to talk with me.

"Businesses and councillors I find especially appreciate having that point of contact that they know and trust.

"I don't think peoples concerns have changed a great deal over the years - for the town centre, which I cover, it is largely issues like parking issues or shoplifting."

The role has proved a perfect fit for PCSO Blood, who had spent seven years working for Thames Valley Police in a back office role before she decided to move to the frontline.

She said: “When they started recruiting for this new position I thought it looked a great opportunity to play a more active role.

"I always knew I wanted to do something within the police force but when I left school I wasn't sure what.

“I love the variety of being a PCSO and that no one day is like another.”

The Abingdon resident, who celebrated 10 years as a PCSO in January, added she has no plans to leave her role, saying: "For the time being I'm still really happy and enjoy my job."