Leicestershire Police have honoured Loughborough College students for their outstanding contribution to volunteering.
A glittering ceremony at King Power Stadium in Leicester saw Tim Staples, Will Hurrell, Remi Rainford and Kayleigh Laing receive trophies for their part in a ground-breaking partnership launched by the College with the local police which has so far seen students volunteer more than 2000 hours to help with crime prevention.
“We hadn’t even realized we were nominated for the award until we arrived at the venue on the night,” said Public Services student Will Hurrell, 18, who lives in Loughborough. “All of us were hopeful but we also knew none of us might get it. To then all be awarded a trophy and go up onto the stage together was amazing.
“I have volunteered with the police at the Glastonbudget festival as well as on foot patrol and talking to people in Loughborough about crime prevention. I have even seen the police in pursuit of a suspect.
“It has given me a great insight and fantastic experience as well as really boosting my confidence – which will all be invaluable as I hope to go to University and join the police. I will definitely be volunteering when I return to Loughborough College next year.”
Kayleigh Lang, 17, who also lives in Loughborough, explained: “It was such a surprise to find out we had been nominated and we were all very nervous until they announced the awards. It was quite scary to go up on stage in front of everyone but I was also so happy.
“I have had so many opportunities, including helping at events to raise awareness of alcohol and the risks associated with drinking. I found volunteering hard at first because I was quite shy but it has really brought me out of myself and it has been so enjoyable to be able to help out the police and public so much.”
Tim Staples, 18, from Burton-on-the-Wolds, added: “My heart was racing when we had to stand up in front of hundreds of people to accept our awards but I was also really pleased. Volunteering has been the best thing I’ve done.
“It’s been really good fun, patrolling at Download and going in the police vehicles and doing vehicle checks at Glastonbudget.
“One of the PCSOs I worked with had done the same course as me and gave me lots of advice. It makes my ambitions to join the police seem achievable and that has motivated me even more.
“I’ll be back at Loughborough College next year and will definitely be volunteering.”
The Loughborough College Public Services students receiving accolades have volunteered approaching 200 hours between them – and were joined by classmate Daniel Cox, who narrowly missed out on a nomination.
Emma Setchfield, Student Engagement Lead at Loughborough College said: “I am delighted for each of the students recognised at the Volunteering In Policing awards ceremony. They were able to showcase how fantastic the college have been at supporting the local policing agenda, and strengthening our community engagement.
“But althought these four students were awarded trophies, I would also like to thank every single student who has given their time to volunteer since we launched three years ago.
“Since then the partnership has grown in strength and numbers and it was great to hear that over 2000 hours have been officially recorded. “
Leicestershire Police and Crime Commissioner Sir Clive Loader recently visited Loughborough College for the second time to personally thank students.
“The Loughborough College students are an excellent example of public-minded young people, keen to make a meaningful contribution.
“I was particularly pleased to be able personally to thank them for the work they do as police volunteers. The increasing number of police volunteers are a key part of our transformation plans for the police service, helping us in projects that will ultimately reduce crime and thus the impact on policing resources.”
Pictured: Loughborough College Public Service students being presented with Outstanding Student Volunteer awards (l to r) Tim Staples, Daniel Cox, Will Hurrell, Remi Rainford, Kayleigh Laing