A CHILDMINDER for 20 years has taken to the beat and re-trained as Police Community Support Officer.

PCSO Hilary Hyslop, who covers Birch Hill and Hanworth as well as being a mum and wife has taken on the role of making the community she lives and works in a safer place.

She was nominated by many people who praised her for the role - and boss Inspector Pete Carter from Bracknell police gave a speech on the great work Hilary has done in the year she has been working as a PCSO.

She said: "It's very nice to have won, I was a bit surprised really. I wouldn't have thought I have done anything to be called a hero at all. I wasn't expecting to win but it is a great privilege.

"So watch this space, there's so much more to come.

"I love doing my job, I have no intention of becoming a police officer, I love my role because I'm out and about in the area and people see me. What I do is really for the community. I now hope to hold more surgeries, get our police point up and running so I can stay in the area for more hours a day and help more people."