Youngsters from the successful CR3 Soldiers project met with senior Surrey Police officers last week when they received a cheque for £500 after being voted best neighbourhood initiative.

The project was established by police and partners to work with young people in Caterham-on-the-Hill to identify the causes of anti-social behaviour and how those issues can be addressed by working together.

At a Surrey-wide neighbourhood conference initiatives from across the Force competed for the coveted top-spot which was awarded to the CR3 project for their innovative approach to tackling anti-social behaviour.

Members of the CR3 Soldiers were awarded £500 by Assistant Chief Constable Jerry Kirkby and Superintendent Gavin Stephens on Thursday, 10th June.

Tandridge Neighbourhood Inspector Elaine Burtenshaw said: “I hope the achievements of this project inspires others to become involved in their neighbourhood as it highlights what can be achieved when police and the local community work together.

“I know the Assistant Chief Constable and Chief Superintendent were very impressed by all the hard work put in by the youngsters involved with CR3 Soldiers and they were delighted to meet so many of them at the presentation on Thursday.

“The project does not end here though and my local officers will continue to work with the ‘Soldiers’ and our partners to ensure the causes of anti-social behaviour are identified and we work out how those issues can be addressed together.”