A community spirited man has been awarded for his hard work.

Andrew Crane, of Coggeshall Road, Earls Colne, was rewarded at the Essex Neighbourhood Watch Awards for his dedication to the neighbourhood watch in his area.

Mr Crane, formerly a special constable, was nominated by the Halstead Neighbourhood Watch Area Coordinators Steering Group for his dedication to the cause, as he always goes the extra mile, regularly patrolling the whole of Earls Colne and not just his patch.

Jean Hastings, the secretary of the group, said: “We nominated Andrew for all the good work he has done over the years.

“He couldn’t work any harder and it is great that he has been given recognition for this.”