THE officer in charge of running Thurrock's town centre policing teams has been honoured for his work.

Sgt Ben Forbes says he is 'shocked and humbled' after being nominated for the British Citizen Award for Services to the Community, which is described as being for someone that is a pillar of their local community and someone that local residents relate to, rely upon, or seek advice from.

Sgt Forbes, who runs teams in Grays, Stanford-le-Hope and South Ockendon, says: "I'm so shocked and humbled, I can't tell you! It doesn't matter what your background is. What matters is your journey and the path you choose to follow."

He will receive the award from the organisation, whose patrons include TV celebrity Bradley Walsh, at a presentation day at the Palace of Westminster.