POLICE Community Support Officer (PCSO) Mark Wodarek-Black proved he is the first and best in Dorset by winning an award that recognises his work in Dorchester.

The Dorset Police award for the county's best PCSO also won him through to national police awards at a gala night in London.

PCSO Wodarek-Black collected his Dorset award during a presentation event in Weymouth's Pavilion.

Afterwards he said: "I'm really delighted. It means a lot to me and it's also recognition for the good work that PCSOs do.

"We've got a particularly good team in Dorchester and I think this award is not just for me, it's for the others as well."

PCSO Wodarek-Black was the first PCSO in Dorchester, starting when the role was created nearly five years ago.

He was nominated by PC Kevin House, Dorchester's Safer Neighbourhood Team leader, and supported by Inspector Les Fry. The role demands close work with the public and also has its exciting moments including numerous arrests.

One of his most memorable was when he played a key part in the arrest of thieves who had been stealing DVDs worth hundreds of pounds.

He said: "I chased them through the town and they were dropping DVDs as they went trying to get rid of them. Fortunately they ran towards the police station and PC Craig Daniel and I managed to arrest them."

The award also paid tribute to his wide range of work with young people and other community aspects of the role.

PCSO Wodarek-Black, 33, said: "When I started, the job was very much a blank sheet and I think I've shaped that here. I hope it helps new PCSOs."

His Dorset award brings him a shield - with his name as the first recipient - and a commemorative paperweight.

He also collected a medal and certificate at the London gala night though he was pipped for the national award.

He said: "It was great to go to London. The newsreader Nicholas Owen was there and it was interesting to see the sort of work that others do that they were commended for."