A police volunteer who was shortlisted for an Essex Police Fire and Crime Commissioner People’s Choice award has been named this year’s runner-up.

Tony Ellis, who first joined Essex Police as a cadet in 1966, was presented with his £500 prize at the Roger Hirst’s Community Safety Hero Awards on Friday, June 7.

The Active Citizen volunteer for Ongar Police station, plans to provide domestic violence alarms for victims throughout the Epping Forest District Council careline service.

Mr Ellis who also manages National Problem Servers Group during his voluntary service, has been described by The Epping Forest Community Safety Partnership as “an unsung hero”.

Residents across Essex were asked to vote for their worthy winner whom they felt have made an ‘Outstanding Contribution to Community safety’.

Community safety partnership lead officer, Caroline Wiggins, said: "This is a fantastic acknowledgement of the work Tony carries out helping to protect the vulnerable in our district and the Community Safety Partnership want to endorse it by match funding the award and provide £600 for domestic abuse alarms.”

A statement released by Essex Police said: “Tony’s expertise allows the Community Safety Partnership to provide an enhanced level of service to residents of the district, supporting the core services and keeping victims safe.

“He does all of this in his own time and with great enthusiasm and professionalism.”

The domestic abuse alarms will be available in due course.