EFFORTS to cut equine crime in Cumbria have been recognised at an awards ceremony.

Community police support volunteer Nigel Sutcliffe, of Heversham, was highly commended at NFU Mutual's Country Crime Fighters Awards.

Nigel helped to relaunch Cumbria's Horsewatch scheme this year, which aims to reduce horse and riding equipment thefts in rural areas.

He is working to attract new members and to spread tips on preventing crime among the equine community.

At the London awards ceremony, Nigel was runner-up in the best country crime fighter North West category.