A Greater Manchester Police (GMP) special constable has received a national award to recognise his work to build strong relationships with the Jewish community.

Moshe Rothstein, who volunteers in Bury, received the Lord Ferrers Individual Achievement Award in London today (Wednesday, September 9). The 30-year-old HGV driver has been a Special Constable for three-and-a-half years.

He said: “I am overwhelmed, it is an honour and a privilege. It has been a fantastic day and I thank GMP for making this possible. GMP has made me feel at home and part of the team and this award is awesome.

“It shows that you can be orthodox Jewish and in policing. I love being able to educate police officers and the community and being able to bring them together. My journey within the police has just got better and better.

“I hope that other people from the Jewish community will follow my lead and join the police.”

The Lord Ferrers Awards, organised by the Home Office, recognise outstanding contributions to volunteering in policing and were first held in 1993. GMP was short-listed in three sections with Moshe winning the individual award within the Special Constabulary, the South Manchester Volunteer Police Cadets runners up in the volunteer police cadet team award and GMP as runner up in the Employer Supported Policing Award category.

Moshe has volunteered more than 800 hours this year alone within the local community and does most of his patrol on foot in all weathers. He is a visible presence within the Jewish community and has been to almost 150 incidents. Recently he helped a member of the public rescue a suicidal woman from a local river remaining with her until she was admitted to hospital.

GMP Special Constabulary Chief Officer Mike Walmsley said: “I am delighted that Moshe has received this award. The work he does in the Jewish community is outstanding and the relationships he has built with the police and community is a testament to his passion and dedication. We are very proud that he is part of our team.”

(Source: Greater Manchester Police)