Guernsey campaigner recognised in national awards

Poppy Murray (centre) described the award as "an incredible honour"

A Guernsey campaigner has been named runner-up in the "Making Safer Spaces" category at this year’s National Police Chiefs’ Council awards.

Poppy Murray was recognised for her contribution to tackling violence against women and girls.

Ms Murray was nominated by Guernsey Police former-deputy chief officer Ian Scholes for her ongoing efforts to create safer public spaces through her Be Lads Campaign and SafetyNet Guernsey.

Of 170 nominations, she was the only Channel Islander to be nominated, and one of just two civilians to be recognised.

'Incredible honour'

In his nomination, Mr Scholes said: "I have worked closely with Poppy on our strategy, and she has been a strong advocate of the work we are doing and has the ear of the media.

"She is both respectfully challenging and supportive in her approach and I have learned much from my work with her which has been invaluable to me and the organisation."

Ms Murray described being a runner-up at the awards as "an incredible honour".

She said: "I hope that momentum will continue to build. I am proud to have represented the Channel Islands and hope that I will be just the first of many.

"We can, and should, be doing much more to protect women and girls and to ensure we do not fall behind the progress being made by other police forces and communities outside the Bailiwick."