A POPULAR Redditch police officer has been nominated to take the prestigious title of Britain's community constable of the year.

Pc Robin White was chosen by the West Mercia Force to compete against officers from across the country and will attend the Guild Hall in London in the spring.

The competition has been organised by a national police magazine and Pc White was asked to demonstrate his ability and skill to work with the community of Redditch.

The father of five has been a police officer since 1982 and transferred to Redditch police station in 1987, where he has become one of the town's most loved bobbies.

He is best known for the strong relationship he has built up with the ethnic minority community and is actually the station's racist incident liaison officer.

Pc White, 43, said: "I am very pleased to have been the force nomination and I feel I am representing all the local constables in the division."

He added: "I have always liked Redditch, it is a good place to bring a family up with a wide range of facilities that we need."

Pc Richard Waterhouse, of Crabbs Cross police, is also set to receive a commendation from the force chief constable Peter Hampson.

The father-of-two has been recognised for his hard work and dedication to police work and the community.

Pc Waterhouse, 33, was featured in last week's Redditch Advertiser for taking part in a fund-raising concert for a disabled youngster.

He is a founder member of the West Mercia Force band, which raises about £14,000 a year for good causes.

He is also involved with a youth football side and has been instrumental in trying to find funds to keep the team afloat.

Crabbs Cross police Sgt Kevin McNally said: "Richard is very well known in the community and is well suited to the south west sector.

"He is a very good, well respected, officer and I am pleased this has been recognised."