THREE members of Taunton’s Halcon One Team have received Pride Awards from the Police and Crime Commissioner in recognition of their outstanding service.

Housing estates officer, Lucy Hawkins from Taunton Deane Council, early help officer Sharon Collard and deputy early help officer, Tracey Harper, both from Somerset County Council, received their awards from Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens.

Lucy said: “I feel very proud to be nominated. It is nice to be recognised with an award when really I am just doing my job.”

Tracey and Sharon added: “We feel really proud and honoured to be recognised for what we do. We recognise the importance of partnership working and are really proud of what the Halcon One Team has achieved.”

Police Sergeant Andrew Murphy, Halcon One Team Co-ordinator who nominated all three staff, described their collective performance as “quite outstanding.”

He added: “They are always prepared to go above and beyond, ensuring that those deemed most vulnerable and those who are suffering significant and complex needs receive the very best service and care within the heart of our community.”

Lucy, Tracy and Sharon were accompanied at the award ceremony by Cllr Jane Warmington who holds the community Leadership portfolio at Taunton Deane Council.

Cllr Warmington said: “We are lucky to have such dedicated staff setting good examples in the Halcon One Team and in our Housing Service.”

The Halcon One Team has received much recognition for its work in helping to reduce crime on the Halcon, Lambrook and the Lane Estate, with similar schemes now looking to be rolled out in other parts of the UK.