A Cumbria police officer has been recognised in a national award ceremony celebrating outstanding contributions to volunteering in policing.

Special Sergeant Lee Grieves has been honoured at the Lord Ferrers Awards on October 13, bagging the Special Constabulary Individual Award.

The accolade recognises the striking dedication Lee has exhibited towards his volunteer role within policing.

Lee kick-started his policing journey with Cumbria's Special Constabulary back in 2007.

Over time, his resilience saw him rise to the rank of Special Chief Inspector.

He then transferred to the Special Constabulary within the British Transport Police, holding the title of Special Superintendent.

While at the British Transport Police, Lee, alongside colleagues, was instrumental in spearheading the constabulary's modernisation, helping to implement a slick new performance monitoring system.

This led to significant improvements in duty hours within the Special Constabulary.

This year saw Lee return back to his home force.

He re-entered as a Special Sergeant, playing a pivotal role in establishing the Welfare Hub within Carlisle City Centre.

The hub, focused on reducing Violence Against Women and Girl (VAWG) offences, was backed by Cumbria's Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, Peter McCall through the Safety of Women at Night (SWaN) Fund, making its debut in April 2022.

Sgt. Grieves expressed delight at the award, applauding the remarkable efforts of other volunteers within the Cumbria police.

Special Sergeant Lee Grieves said: “I am delighted to have been awarded this honour, particularly as I am well aware of the fantastic voluntary work done in policing by people in Cumbria and throughout the UK.

“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 was to make a positive difference to people in Cumbria.

“This ambition remains and I’m fortunate to have worked with some incredible people throughout my career within policing.”

Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Dave Stalker, of Cumbria Constabulary, said: “We are absolutely delighted for Lee’s very well-deserved award.

“Lee’s work both within Cumbria and elsewhere in the country is exemplary and to be nominated and win such a prestigious award is testament to the commitment Lee has shown throughout his career to date.”

The Special Constabulary, a thriving volunteer body fully equipped with the same powers as the regular force, plays a crucial role in Cumbria's policing infrastructure.

Currently, the force consists of 45 special constables, working ardently alongside their peers to curb crime in the region.

Cumbria's Special Constabulary is currently seeking recruits who, like Lee, harbour a genuine intent to create a difference in their communities across the county.

Cumbria's Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Peter McCall also hailed Lee, expressing delight at his well-deserved recognition.

He said: “I am delighted that Lee has rightly been recognised and will receive this award for his outstanding work, dedication and exceptional service.

“Lee is a dedicated and valued colleague within Cumbria Constabulary and I would like to offer my congratulations to him on this national award.

“Cumbria Police Officers do a fantastic job. Our volunteers are at the heart of our communities and selflessly making a positive impact in their local area.

“Lee is an inspirational character and a great example for us all. I would encourage anyone who is interested in volunteering to visit the Cumbria Police website and find out more about the role – it is incredibly rewarding, makes a real and positive difference and it fits around the individual’s schedule.

“I offer Lee my very warm congratulations , to Lee, his contribution to policing the county is very much appreciated.”