KENT Police have been named the country's best rural crime fighters at a special awards ceremony in London.

The Kent Police rural liaison team was crowned the best country crime fighter 2014 for its outstanding contribution to crime prevention.

The team was presented with a cheque for £1,500 from rural insurer NFU Mutual to help fund future anti-crime initiatives in south-east England.

The NFU Mutual Country Crime Fighters Awards aim to celebrate the individuals and communities that take an active stance against rural crime.

Police inspector Terry Newman said: "I am proud to accept this accolade on behalf of everyone in the scheme who has invested so much time and effort in the fight against rural crime.

"It is a vocation which is both demanding and rewarding.

Inspector Newman said communicating effectively with people who lived and worked in the countryside helped police stay one step ahead of the criminals.

Paying tribute to rural residents, he added: "It would be impossible for the scheme to do what it does without the support of the rural community we serve."

Twenty-one organisations including police, voluntary groups and other statutory bodies were shortlisted for the Crime Fighters awards.

This year's judges included Dyfed-Powys police chief constable Simon Prince – the national lead for wildlife and rural crime – and NFU Mutual chairman Richard Percy.

The panel also included representatives from the National Federation of Young Farmers' Clubs, the Rural Services Network and the national press.

Mr Percy said said: "As part of the fabric of country life, we have a responsibility to offer continued support to rural communities in their on-going fight against crime.

"The scheme has managed to unite the community in the fight against crime, through perseverance and creativity, which has not only earned it the respect of the local community but contributed to the neighbourhood being a much safer place."

The Kent rural liaison team is responsible for dealing with rural crime across the county.

In over 200 joint operations, the team has helped to prosecute many offenders and recover items of stole property within the rural community.

Kent Police has also created a 'Rural Matters' magazine to help reduce crime levels by keeping the community informed.

Details of all the Crimefighters winners can be found at www.nfumutual.co.uk/crimefighters