The community spirit and hard work of a Peel-based police officer has led to her being nominated for Community Police Officer of the Year.

Constable Ali Stokes said the nomination for the Isle of Man Newspapers award from Queen Elizabeth II High School had been ’a very nice surprise’.

PC Stokes was nominated by Joanna Steriopulos, director of key stage four (ages 14 to 16) at the Peel high school, who praised her ’positive and effective manner’ and ’for being there for the pupils and staff’.

’She is supportive of ensuring Peel is a safe vibrant place for the public to be in and works tirelessly with some of our young people to help them stay on the right path,’ she said.

’It is incredibly important to have the police and the school singing from the same hymn sheet and the connection between the community and the school is great.’

PC Stokes has been based in the island for about four-and-a-half-years having spent 18 years with Humberside Police in Grimsby.

She said that the island is special as ’there is still a very a strong sense of community here’.

However, despite the work she does in the community she said that the nomination had left her ’almost speechless’.

She added: ’It is not very often I’m speechless, as my colleagues can attest to. It was really nice but certainly very much a surprise.’

PC Stokes said that her experience in youth justice helps as she and her colleague PC Graham Best meet up with teachers, discussing problems in the school or any warning signs teachers may have noticed about some of their students. She added: ’We work really well with the schools and with the teaching staff.

’It is really important to share ideas, advice and concerns to recognise any children who may be having problems.’

â?¢ To nominate an officer send the name of your chosen officer and your reasons for choosing him or her by email to [email protected]. Alternatively write to Community Police Officer of the Year Award, Isle of Man Newspapers, European House, Peel Road, Douglas, IM1 5ED. Please include your own full name, address and phone number so we can contact you. The deadline for nominations is May 10.

The winner will be presented with a trophy at the Chief Constable’s annual awards ceremony.