A new community award for students has been launched by the University of Hertfordshire and its dedicated policing team.

The Community Student Award will be given to a student who has made a positive impact on the local community.

Those nominated might have been looking out for an elderly neighbour, putting neighbour’s bins out for collection, helping a sick neighbour, being considerate to neighbours, or volunteering in the local community. 

Anybody can nominate, including members of the public, university staff, fellow students, local charities, churches and organisations.

Nominations can be sent in from January 2015 ahead of the awards ceremony in April, and the juding panel includes representatives from the university, the policing team, a Hatfield resident, a student and the University chaplain.

Louise Luxford, a member of the University Policing Team, said: "The students do have a positive impact on their community. We often hear stories about how students have helped by putting bins out for an elderly neighbour or volunteered to help others in the borough and we felt it was important to capture this and recognise those students who go the extra mile who make a positive effect on the community whilst they are here. 

"The possibilities for nominations are endless and I would urge people to get in touch if they have someone they’d like to put forward to receive the award. The one stipulation is that the nominees are not to be notified of their nomination."

Geraldine Ward, deputy dean of students at the University of Hertfordshire, said: "So many of our students do great things in the local community and these awards will recognise that. It’s also a great opportunity to work together with the University policing team in highlighting student success."

Nominations should outline the name of the student and what they’ve done to make a difference to the community.

Send them to PCSO Louise Luxford at louise.luxford@herts.pnn.police.uk.