NOMINATIONS have opened for awards which celebrate the work of policing volunteers.

The 24th annual Lord Ferrers Awards recognise the outstanding contribution of special constables, police support volunteers and volunteer police cadets.

This year a new category has been introduced for Technical Innovation, to encourage recognition of ‘cyber specials’ and those volunteers using technology creatively to combat the changing nature of crime.

Last year almost 300 nominations were submitted by police forces across England and Wales, and for the first time, members of the public could also recommend volunteers for their service.

Policing and fire minister, Nick Hurd, said: “Every day special constables, police support volunteers and volunteer police cadets make a selfless contribution to tackling crime and supporting police forces.

“I urge police officers and members of the public to nominate police volunteers who they think have made an outstanding contribution to their communities for an award.”

The award ceremony will take place in London in November.

Winners will be presented with their awards by Home Office ministers, senior officials and chief police officers.

Members of the public have until midnight on Sunday September 17 to make nominations.