A neighbourhood policing inspector has been named police officer of the year.

Inspector Lysha Thompson, who serves the Rhymney area, received the honour at Gwent Police's annual awards and commendation ceremony on Tuesday, November 11.

She was recognised for her leadership, efforts to tackle serious organised crime and work to strengthen community relations.

Insp Thompson leads neighbourhood policing across Ystrad Mynach, Bargoed and Rhymney and has driven targeted action against organised crime in the north of Caerphilly.

Chief Constable Mark Hobrough said: "Each year, we come together to recognise officers who go beyond their duties to make Gwent a safer place in which to live and work.

"Lysha Thompson personifies each and every one of these.

"Neighbourhood policing is a cornerstone of how we work to improve trust and confidence in our work; Lysha's problem-solving ability, proactive policing approach to bring justice and genuine engagement with residents sets a shining example for others within the force."

One recent project under her leadership, Respect Rhymney, led to eight offenders being jailed for a total of 30 years.

Other winners on the night included PCSO Lisa Gibbs, who received the Police and Crime Commissioner's partnership award for her work supporting victims of domestic abuse.

Clare Gibson was named police staff member of the year for her work building an inclusive culture at Gwent Police.

PC Connor Jones received a commendation for his role in Operation Shetland, a county lines investigation in Blaenau Gwent that disrupted the supply of class A and B drugs.