A POLICE officer who has built up a special rapport with young people in Inverclyde has won an award for her impressive work.

Constable Kirsty Boyd devotes her time on the beat to reaching out to youngsters of all ages, visiting nurseries, schools and hitting the streets and giving up her own free time to represent the force.

Among her admirers are the staff at Newark Nursery, who nominated her for a recognition award.

They praised her for going above and beyond the call of duty on a daily basis, often giving up her own time to go to community events.

Constable Boyd, a community police officer in Port Glasgow for 11 years, said: “I really love working with young people. It is a fantastic part of the job and I am delighted to have won an award.

“I think it is important that we send out positive messages about the police to young people of all ages.

“It is very humbling that Newark Nursery nominated me. I am overwhelmed.” Newark Nursery head teacher Hazel Mitchell praised Kirsty for coming to special occasions like nativity plays even when she is not on duty.

Hazel added: “Kirsty deserves to be recognised for her outstanding work, commitment and dedication to her community.

“We would like to congratulate her on her award.” The staff and children congratulated Kirsty in person when she arrived for a visit and brought her award along.

Now her talents are to be diverted to young people on a full time basis, as local Chief Inspector Elliot Brown has given her a new role within the division.

Ch Insp Brown said: “Kirsty has a very special relationship with young people and we want to recognise this in her new youth engagement role.” Kirsty says she is looking forward to throwing herself into the exciting new test.

She added: “It is a great challenge and something I am looking forward to.”