The work of one of Cumbria Police’s longest-serving volunteers has been recognised at a national award ceremony.

Special Constable Susan Holliday was awarded runner-up in the ‘Individual Award’ category at this year’s Lord Ferrers Awards.

Susan has served as a Special Constable for 35 years. Her commitment to supporting communities in Cumbria has been unwavering with Susan volunteering almost 4,000 hours of her own time in the past decade alone.

Susan, who is a farmer, continues to champion the voices of rural communities and was integral in the set-up of the force’s Farm Watch schemes, which run across the county to support Cumbria’s farming community.

Her nomination for this award was due to her commitment to rural communities, increasing crime prevention services across Cumbria and her contribution to achieving prosecutions for rural crime offences.

Following receiving the award, Susan said:

“It was a great honour to be nominated in such a competitive category, never mind receive the runner-up award. Attending the ceremony, I was able to find about more about the inspirational work of other nominees.

“The reason I joined as a Special Constable back in 1987 was to make a positive difference to people in Cumbria. That ambition has never changed and my career to date has been one of incredible experiences. I’ve been fortunate to work with great officers past and present, particularly those who were there to help and support in setting up Farm Watch. I’ve also been lucky to work with a number of brilliant people from different partner agencies and those in the communities we serve.

“With a farming background, I know only too well the impact rural crime has on businesses and people here in our county. That is one of the key drivers I have to continue to ensure that our Farm Watch scheme provides a shared commitment to preventing and investigating offences.”

Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Jonny Blackwell, Cumbria Constabulary, said:

“To be nominated and recognised in an awards ceremony celebrating the work of Special Constables across the UK is a fantastic achievement and one which Susan richly deserves.

“Susan’s commitment to her voluntary role is an inspiration to us all here at Cumbria Police. For 35 years, Susan has continually turned out in her own time to support communities across our county.

“We as a police force know the impact that rural crime has on people in Cumbria. Susan’s work, to help create and sustain the Farm Watch scheme, continues to support our farming community on a regular basis.

“I know that I speak on behalf everyone associated with Cumbria Police, when I say how proud we are of Susan and how appreciative we are of her continued commitment to keeping people safe.”

Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Peter McCall, said:

“Susan is an outstanding example of dedicated, selfless and enduring public service.

“She is rightly respected as a caring volunteer, and I’m pleased to see her hard work is being recognised nationally – she is genuinely inspirational, and this National recognition is richly deserved.

“I’ve been privileged to meet Susan often particularly when she has attended events focusing on rural crime; her knowledge and understanding of our rural communities is exceptional and I know helps her to be a huge success as a Special Constable.

“She is extremely well-known in her community by the locals who value her commitment to them and their community and are extremely grateful for all she does.

“I want to add my sincere gratitude to Susan as a shining example but to all Special Police officers and to all of our many volunteers for their invaluable service.”