A YOUNG man has been praised for his work to calm a distressed man at a fayre last year, and has been awarded Crimestoppers Young Citizen of the Year.

Daniel Britten, 16, has been part of the Launceston community police cadets for around four years. Dan stood out as a natural leader and often used his skills to motivate and support other cadets of various ages and abilities.

While patrolling the Werrington Country Fayre during last summer, Dan identified a young man who was very distressed. He had severe learning difficulties and had become separated from his carer. Dan remained calm, empathetic and professional and took responsibility for the wellness of the young man. He was able to locate the carer and reunite them, while minimising the distress.

He was presented with his award, alongside other winners of the police volunteer awards, at a special ceremony on Tuesday, July 4.

Daniel said of his cadets role: “It’s been a real eye opener to the police force and what they do. It’s good fun but a lot of serious work to it as well.

“I have pretty much always wanted to be a police officer; the cadets have just reinforced it.”

Daniel had also received an award in the past for ‘volunteer of the year’, through his work at Roadford Lake.

Devon and Cornwall Police has over 560 special constables, nearly 600 police volunteers and 300 police cadets, all giving their services in their own time. In addition, there are willing helpers in the communities who operate local schemes such as community speed watch and neighbourhood watch.

The force aims to increase opportunities for volunteers so they can get involved in supporting their local neighbourhoods, whether via partner volunteering groups or by developing their own volunteering programmes.

Acting chief constable, Paul Netherton, said: “I wish to thank all volunteers for all that they have so generously given and for all that they are able to give into the future. It is an absolute honour to work alongside them and to recognise their achievements.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez said: “I am committed to championing volunteering in policing to bring the public closer to the police and increase community capacity and resilience.”

Emma Webber, the senior co-ordinator for the Citizens in Policing strategy which heads the volunteer programme said: “The police volunteers award ceremony is an opportunity for us to recognise the significant contribution volunteers play in ensuring safer and cohesive communities across Devon and Cornwall.”