RURAL policing in Cheshire’s Western Area, which includes Vale Royal, has received a welcome pat on the back.

The Western Unit has been highly praised by its peers at the Inside Justice Awards. The team was nominated for a gong thanks to its work with youngsters in the area which has helped to see a decrease in anti-social behaviour.

Insp Phil Hodgson, who heads Western Rural NPU, said: “To even be nominated for an award is a great honour, so to get such praise from senior officials is just amazing.

“I'm proud to be in charge of so many dedicated and hard working police officers and police staff.”