A Hackney Police employee won a gong at awards recognising the professionalism and bravery of London officers, staff and volunteers.

Jill DiMartino picked up the Police staff of the year award at the Metropolitan’s Police Total Policing Awards on Wednesday evening.

Since volunteering to take over Hackney’s struggling Voluntary Police Cadets, Ms DiMartino has overseen the cadet membership grow tenfold from 10 to 100 by encouraging young people to join through an appealing and broad programme of activities.

The Volunteer Cadet Manager has also been credited with diverting young people away from involvement in gangs and youth violence.

A total of 20 awards recognising the professionalism and bravery of staff across 32 boroughs were presented at an awards ceremony in central London.