A FORMER JCB driver turned police officer has been recognised for his outstanding dedication to crime fighting in Skipton.

PC Alan Mason has averaged 67 arrests a year, a figure described as "second to none" by Skipton Inspector Tad Nowakoswki. He was presented with an Area Commander Award for productivity at a ceremony in Boroughbridge.

PC Mason began his career in the police as a Specials officer where he trained for four years. He had been driving a JCB but had always wanted to be a police officer and signed up to see if he could make it or not.

"Through sheer force of will he turned himself into an excellent bobby," said Specials chief Brian Cook.

Six years ago he was accepted into the full-time force and has quickly proved his worth on a shift renowned for being pro-active.

"At the end of the day I am a bobby on the beat, that is what I enjoy. I like going out and catching criminals. I know that if I am bringing criminals off the streets then I am doing my job well," said PC Mason.

Unfortunately for Craven, PC Mason, a father-of-two, has recently announced that he is moving to Scarborough Police.

"I am coming to the end of what I think I can do here and I am moving on to new challenges," he said.

Insp Nowakowski said: "This is a sad loss for Craven, he is a competent and professional police officer." He has received many letters of appreciation from members of the public in relation to PC Mason's work.

Other commendations went to officers investigating the Stainforth tragedy in which two teenagers drowned at Stainforth Beck. These were Det Insp Mick Moore, Insp Stuart Mackleston, Insp Mark Rhodes, Det Sgt Nick Wattam, Sgt Dave James, DC Pete Elliott, DC Martyn Woodley, DC Harry Carpenter, DC Steve Royle, DS Steve Menzies, DC Lisa Warters, and DC Sue Marklew.

Crime Support Officer at Skipton CID Janice Milling was recognised for her contribution to the reduction of crime and the fear of crime.

PC Paul Smith received an award for his work to take drugs off Skipton's streets.