A CUMBRIAN bobby has described how ‘privileged’ and ‘shocked’ he felt when he was awarded a top national award for his hard work and dedication.

PC Andy Ivison, who patrols roads across the county, has won the Association of Chief Police Officers/Police Federation award for his outstanding contribution to roads policing.

The 47-year-old, who has been with Cumbria Constabulary for 27 years, was nominated by his colleagues in the roads policing unit for his work.

And he was named as the winner at a ceremony in Leicestershire.

Andy said: “I was so shocked to hear that I had won the award. It was a privilege just to be invited to the dinner – I had no idea I had a chance of winning anything.”

PC Ivison’s lead role in complicated inquiries into the haulage industry was particularly recognised by the award, having worked as part of Operation Cadillac, which focussed on illegal activity by a Northern Ireland firm in Cumbria and led to two men receiving significant custodial sentences.

He has also been recognised for his ‘exceptional’ role in national campaigns and operations aimed at both disrupting crime and terrorism and contributing to increasing road safety.

Since winning the award, he has travelled to France and Belgium to meet up with colleagues from European police forces to share knowledge and bring back some of their experiences to Cumbria.