THE WORK of volunteer police and cadets in Teignbridge has been celebrated at an awards event.

The volunteer officers, known as specials, were thanked for their work protecting local communities.

In south Devon, there are currently 24 specials.

In 2024, they devoted more than 10,000 hours of their own time to support the frontline, carrying out high-visibility patrols, targeted operations and community engagement.

There are 55 cadets in the Teignbridge policing area, aged 13 to 17 years old.

They regularly work with officers, engage with the public, share crime prevention advice and support officers at local events.

A spokesman said: ‘Specials and cadets are invaluable to our policing service, they really enhance the great work that our officers do.’