A FORMER traffic warden who delivered groceries to pensioners trapped in January’s snow has been named police community support officer of the year for Oxfordshire.

Sue Harris was described by fellow officers as ‘without doubt the face of Wantage’.

And the 36-year-old was this week honoured for her work at the Thames Valley Community Policing Awards 2010 by Chief Constable Sara Thornton.

Pcso Harris, who has been a full-time community support officer for four years, said: “It’s really nice that people in the community have voted for me.

“It’s good being part of the community and making a difference to people.”

She shovelled snow, collected and delivered prescriptions, organised free bread and milk deliveries and picked up shopping for the elderly and vulnerable stuck in their homes when the snow hit.

She said: “When you get situations like that everyone has to step up and help, that’s part of being in the community.”

Pcso Harris also set up Store Net, a radio system which shop staff use to alert each other about shoplifters and problem customers.

The police said it had cut crime.

She has also hosted alcohol awareness workshops with schools and the ambulance service.

Her latest project is to provide a list of designated safe havens around the town for people from the Charlton Centre for Adults with Learning Disabilities to go to if they get into trouble.

She came up with the idea after talking to the adults and staff on one of her regular visits to the centre.

Her citation read out by Mrs Thornton said: “Her commitment to the public, especially those who are vulnerable, has been described as ‘truly exceptional’.”

Pcso Harris said: “I will be happy as long as I can continue being a Pcso in Wantage. I feel very lucky to work in such a nice town.”

Pc Richard Barnes, who covers Carterton, Bampton and Burford, was named Oxfordshire community police officer of the year at the event at Green Templeton College in Oxford.

Described as ‘straight- talking, honest and reliable’ he attracted praise for his efforts to disrupt antisocial behaviour, as well as projects including clean-up days and a live music festival.