AN ANDOVER volunteer has been recognised for his hard work and dedication.

Kieran O’Kelly has given up his time to be an independent custody visitor for almost 15 years and last week he was awarded by Hampshire police and crime commissioner (PCC) Michael Lane at the second annual SAFER awards.

The accolades celebrate the role volunteers play in supporting policing and the community.

During his time volunteering, Keiran has checked on the welfare and wellbeing of thousands of detainees in Hampshire Constabulary’s custody to ensure they are being treated fairly and humanely, and to check the conditions in custody blocks are maintained to the required standard.

The 73-year-old began volunteering after he saw someone carrying out the role in the television drama The Bill.

During Kieran’s service there has been many changes, and he has “demonstrated flexibility and a willingness to adapt to the needs of the organisation, particularly when the new police investigation centre and 36 cell custody suite was opened in the north of the county”.

The award speech read: “He has covered extra visits, often at short notice, and helped to train new recruits.

“Kieran is a volunteer who gives his time and energy selflessly to independent custody visiting and the office of the police and crime commissioner. Without his knowledge and experience, the Independent Custody Visiting Scheme would not be able to uphold the high standards of visiting that are apparent in the north of Hampshire.”

The awards were presented by PCC Mr Lane at a ceremony on December 5, International Volunteers Day, and Keiran said he was “quite pleased to be recognised”.

Mr Lane added: “It is important that we take the time to recognise and thank volunteers for their contribution and commitment to building resilient communities. Volunteers really matter, they help us to connect with the community, and the value that they add to the work of the Constabulary and partners is enormous. Without them we would not be able to deliver all that we do to keep our communities safer.”