A police officer described as the ‘glue’ sticking different communities together has been awarded one of the highest police honours.

PC Yasvender Singh Rehill works as a community liaison officer for West Yorkshire Police, forging links between the force and faith communities across Bowling, Barkerend and Bradford Moor.

Before taking on the role, he volunteered as a special constable for 15 years.

PC Rehill was presented with a Diversity in Action police award at a ceremony at the Guru Gobind Singh Temple in Leeds Road.

Presenting the trophy, Chief Superintendent Simon Atkin, divisional commander for Bradford South, said PC Rehill worked hard to develop links with different faith groups, and played a vital role supporting serious crime investigations.

Representatives of Muslim, Sikh, Hindu and Christian groups also spoke, praising PC Rehill’s work and thanking him for his commitment.

PC Rehill said he was honoured to receive the award.

He said: “Without my multi-faith groups, I wouldn’t be here receiving this today.”