A CHIEF Constable's commendation has been awarded to a Worcester woman for her work within the West Mercia Constabulary call centre.

Penny-Jane Curtis, aged 41, has been a trainer/developer with the police force for little over one year, but has already made a marked impact in people development and has demonstrated "infectious enthusiasm" in all areas of her work.

Penny, who lives near Worcester, has improved induction courses for new staff, created a new career development programme, improved the constabulary's service to disabled callers and taken a leading role in team-building exercises.

Supt John Jones, head of the force operations department, said: "Penny has been an inspiration to the development of people in call management. Her efforts have been over and above what I could have expected in her first year."

Penny said: "Having only joined West Mercia Constabulary 14 months ago as the Training and Development Officer for the Call Management Centre, I was delighted and very honoured to receive this award for recognition of my achievements within the department.

"This includes to continually supporting and developing our people."