A NORTH Yorkshire author and anti-drug campaigner was the guest of honour at an awards event.
Christina Gabbitas was invited to West Midlands Police headquarters to presents awards along with Chief Constable Craig Guildford, Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster, national County Lines leads, senior officers and other dignitaries from across the West Midlands.
They were among the guests at the Listen Up event, in which certificates were presented to the cadets for their contributions to Christina’s national initiative that has gained recognition from across the UK.
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It was a celebration of the achievements of young police cadets.
Christina said: “I was honoured to be invited to this special event and to meet all the cadets who took part in the initiative.
"It’s very rewarding to know we are all working together across the regions to help educate our children and young people.
"The initiative was inspired by my visit with North Yorkshire Police to Rossett High in Harrogate from a pupil submitting a poem after our visit.”
Cadets from Birmingham and Coventry were recognised for the efforts they make in giving up their free time to learn about policing, and for the work with they do supporting officers, volunteers and other members of the local community to make neighbourhoods safer.
A special award was also given to the winner of a national poetry competition Alexandru Cocosila, in which entrants were challenged to write creatively about the devastating impact that County Lines drug operations have on local communities, particularly young and vulnerable people who are exploited by those running these drugs lines.
Devised by writer, educator and honorary member of the NSPCC Council Christina Gabbitas, the competition attracted entrants from across the country.
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