A WOMAN who has helped hundreds of vulnerable and young people in police custody has been named the county’s top community safety hero.

Yvonne Weinling was presented with the first Outstanding Contribution to Community Safety award.

She has been volunteering for the Clacton Appropriate Adults Service for 11 years and does a huge amount to support and care for young people and vulnerable adults while they are in custody.

Yvonne is available around the clock and regularly works into the night to support people.

She was nominated by Clacton custody sergeant Dave Beverley, who said her work was “invaluable”.

Yvonne was presented with her trophy by Essex police and crime commissioner Nick Alston and received £500 to support her community work.

Mr Alston said: “Yvonne really is a worthy winner. It can be extremely daunting for a young person or vulnerable adult when they are taken into police custody.

“Yvonne truly does go above and beyond to provide advice to those in her care.”

The Clacton division of the Essex Fire Cadets was also highly commended and received £250 to support its community safety project.

They were nominated by leader Karl Amos for their tireless work volunteering to improve and support the communities they live in.