GWENT citizens were honoured for their work as community champions at an awards night.

Five members of the public received the Good Citizens Awards for their selfless and public-spirited actions in assisting the police and the community at the 2015 Gwent Police Awards.

The chief constable Jeff Farrar and the Police and Crime Commissioner Ian Johnston presented the awards at the Christchurch Centre in Newport.

Anthony Angell, of Croespenmaen, was honoured for his continuous support of several organisations including Victim Support, as a member of the Independent Advisory Group, as part of the Independent Custody Visitor Scheme and a community coordinator for the Online Watch Link (OWL)

Mr Angell, 58, a former retired colliery deputy, said: “ I became a volunteer around two years ago and find it really rewarding.”

“It was a privilege and honour to receive the award and I would encourage others to become a volunteer.”

Brian Wilkins, of Pontllanfriath, was honoured for his unwavering dedication to the community. Mr Wilkins, 75, is a long-standing member and Chairman of the Blackwood Crime Prevention Panel. The former Royal Mail employee has worked tirelessly for ten years to support the work of local police officers at events and provides advice to people on how to keep themselves and their properties safe. The panel also help to co-ordinate the delivery of the powerful anti-drugs play ‘Wings to Fly’ to year six pupils. In addition, he works in his community as a ward co-ordinator for Neighbourhood Watch and OWL.

He said: “I am hugely grateful to have been chosen for the award. I accept it on behalf of those I work with on the panel, community and Gwent Police.”

Mr Mubarak Ali, Secretary of the Islamic Society of Wales Mosque on Victoria Road, Newport- one of the largest Shia Mosques in Wales, was honoured for his on-going work to champion peace and unity in the city.

Mr Ali, 53, of Langstone, has been a very keen supporter of peace activities within Newport for a number of years, supporting the work of the police and local partner agencies. Most recently, he organised a candlelit vigil in Newport promoting peace and unity. Mr Ali said he it was a privilege to be honoured.

Other recipients were Trooper Aaron Edwards and Donna Hagerty. Mr Edwards phoned Gwent Police to alert them to a potentially nasty incident that was unfolding in the New Tredegar area. He provided a running commentary to the control room, observing the offender until the officers arrived. He then helped the officers to bring the man under control so he could be arrested.

Mrs Hagerty spotted a hospital patient climbing over a fence near the river in Ystrad Mynach. She followed and restrained the patient from going in the water until police officers arrived.

Mr Johnston thanked those who went the ‘extra mile’ to assist in keeping people safe and making their communities a better place to live.

He added: “It’s important that we recognise the bravery and commitment of these special people who serve their community so well.

“It’s all about communication and people talking to each other and building relationships with the Police and local partners. I have been really humbled by the positive attitude of all the recipients and I would like to congratulate them on their well-deserved awards.”