COMMUNITY stalwart Simon Bale has received a top honour for going that extra mile in one of his many voluntary duties.

Watchet-based Simon works full-time as a control room supervisor at Avon and Somerset police's Taunton communications centre.

But the married father of two is also a special constable, a member of his local coastguard team and runs Watchet's sea scouts troop.

And now the man who believes there are 36 hours in a day has been named Special Constable of the Year for the Somerset West district in this year's Community Policing Awards, aimed at rooting out the best on the beat.

Simon, 38, is one of 28 finalists from 689 nominations in five different categories in the scheme, which seeks to honour police officers, staff and volunteers who the public feel have gone that extra mile to reduce crime and improve the quality of life for residents.

"I was totally unaware that I had even been nominated and I don't know who put my name forward," Simon told the Free Press.

"Obviously, I'm delighted and very honoured."

Simon has been a special constable for almost 19 years and last year qualified to join the force as a full-time officer.

But he turned down the opportunity because it meant he would have had to give up his other voluntary commitments.

"I like to keep myself busy and I enjoy helping people," he said.

"I see the activities that I am involved in as linking in with each other rather than being completely separate."

Simon said his wife Katrina was "very proud" of his latest accolade but he admitted that being so busy did mean time at home was limited.

"She's very involved in a lot of things as well. But in my day there are 36 hours, not 24, so I manage to fit everything in."

Simon is now in with a chance of becoming the overall force winner in his category and will be up against rivals from Bristol, South Gloucestershire and Somerset East at a gala dinner in March.

Avon and Somerset Police Authority chairman Dr Moira Hamlin said: "This year's judges have had a really tough job deciding the district winners with a record number of entries to go through.

"We are delighted that so many people have taken the time to nominate - it really does make the Community Policing Awards extra special to us and the winners.

"Honouring and recognising the good work undertaken by Neighbourhood Policing teams across Avon and Somerset is extremely important.

"The nominations highlight the impact both individuals and teams are having on the communities they serve."

Chief Constable Colin Port said he wanted to thank people for getting involved and helping to celebrate the efforts of the nominees.

"It is great that the public recognise the positive contribution the police family in its wider sense makes," he said.

Photo: Steve Guscott