She was one of just eight community support officers from North Yorkshire who was nominated for her area at a ceremony at the Ox Pasture Hall Hotel in Scarborough.

But it will be Johanne Abbott, who works in Ryedale, who was chosen as North Yorkshire Safer Neighbourhoods PCSO of the Year to go through too the national finals in London in November.

All three were announced during a presentation evening, sponsored by British Telecom, at the hotel, when the work of eight police officers and PCSO nominees, two student officer nominees and one special constabulary officer came under the spotlight.

PCSO Thompson’s relationship with local people in Filey received very positive feedback and there were many references to her determination and achievement.

She attends the local youth club and has drop in surgeries both there and at the schools.

Jane Kenyon, chairman of the police authority said; “The North Yorkshire Safer Neighbourhoods Officer Awards are a celebration of the reassurance, assistance and professional commitment provided by the traditional ‘Bobby on the Beat’ – officers working in, with and for communities.

“These awards and the process our communities and officers have been through to get here, offer a unique opportunity to acknowledge the vital role of the Safer Neighbourhoods police officers and PCSOs.

“This scheme gives members of the public, as well as representatives of local organisations, the opportunity to say thank you to either their local police officer or PCSO for the committed, dedicated and invaluable hard work he/she gives to improve the quality of life for every neighbourhood.”

Deputy chief constable Adam Briggs said: “The fact that North Yorkshire police has one of the lowest levels of crime and highest rates of detection in the country is due to the professionalism and dedication of its officers and these award winners display those qualities on a daily basis.

“Through their bravery and innovative thinking they have won the respect and support of their local communities and exemplify our core commitment to deliver modern policing in a traditional way.”