Ammanford Police Station’s chaplain made the final two of a national policing award at the recent Lord Ferrers Award.

Miss Meinir Loader was named the runner-up in the Police Support Volunteer solo category, for her work as a chaplain at Ammanford Police Station.

There were more than 170 nominations for the category, with the former teacher named as second “owing to her total dedication to her role,” in which she supports all staff at the police station, particularly officers.

A spokesperson from Dyfed-Powys Police said about Meinir: “(This award is) owing to her total dedication to her role, and the exceptional care she has shown to the officers and staff.

“She was particularly noted for her skill in offering support in times of great distress, such as around bereavement and suicide.”

The Right Honourable Jeremy Quin MP, Minister of State for Crime, Policing and Fire, spoke highly of Meinir and the other volunteers nominated in the Police Support Volunteer Award.

The minister said: “Volunteers are a precious part of our policing family and it’s very humbling to know that there are so many people who are willing to give up their time to help protect their fellow citizens.

“It is a huge privilege to be here, to recognize what is a tremendous endeavour right across our country. Thank you so much for doing what you do!”

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The awards ceremony was held at Lancaster House, the Grade I-listed building by St James’ Palace in St James’ Park, which is managed by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Sir Martyn Lewis CBE, a Swansea-born journalist and newscaster knighted for his work in the voluntary and charitable sectors, presented the awards.

The awards are known for “recognising the outstanding contribution made by Volunteer Police Cadets, the Special Constabulary, and support volunteers from across the policing sector.”

It was a double success on the evening for Dyfed-Powys Police, as the South Pembrokeshire Volunteer Police Cadets won the Volunteer Police Cadet Team category.

That particular award “recognises cadet units who work together to make a significant and sustained contribution to ‘youth led social action’ that supports policing and their communities.”