A BROMSGROVE policeman and traffic warden have scooped top awards in a prestigious ceremony.

PC Gary Mole and traffic warden Roy Gibson will be presented with their accolades at West Mercia Constabulary's annual force awards ceremony this Friday.

Chief constable Paul West is presenting awards to six police officers and two members of police staff to recognise work which has made a significant difference to the communities they serve.

A former defence lawyer PC Gary Mole joined West Mercia two years ago.

Named probationer of the course during his initial training, Gary has been working in Bromsgrove and has made a valuable contribution to policing in the local community. He has helped tackle anti-social behaviour in the Catshill area in partnership with the district council.

Gary has detected more than 50 crimes following a spate of car badge thefts on an estate in the town and has worked in partnership with the community and organisations to tackle a range of issues, including drug abuse and mobile phone thefts.

Nominating him for the Mary Court Award, divisional training officer PC Simon Jenkins said since Gary's arrival he had shown a desire for work above and beyond what was expected of him.

Traffic warden Roy Gibson has scooped the High Sheriff's Award for his work keeping traffic moving in Bromsgrove for the past 27 years.

Roy has been praised for his polite and approachable style in dealing with the public. On occasions he has also given up time on his rest days to carry out duties during organised events, such as putting out cones or helping children cross busy roads.

Roy was nominated for the award because "his dedication to duty is immense and unstinting and his approach to the public impeccable."