HADDINGTON’S community beat officer has been crowned Police Officer of the Year at a prestigious ceremony.

Lynn Black, who joined the police just over 10 years ago, was put forward for the Scottish Women’s Development Forum award by Sergeant Scott Nicholson.

He said: “Her enthusiasm, commitment and organisational skills are second to none and she has built some excellent working relationships with local groups, schools, partner agencies and businesses.

“Her knowledge of the area and local criminals is invaluable and other officers in the area regularly call upon Lynn to assist in the identification of suspects.” The 35-year-old was delighted to win the award and will be presented with it by Chief Constable Sir Stephen House at a ceremony at Airth Castle on Tuesday.

She said: “It is nice to get recognition and I was shocked, I was genuinely shocked about winning.

“I’m happy and I love my community, the award is recognition for the work I have done in the community.” Sergeant Nicholson also praised the former Knox Academy head girl’s efforts with the school.

That included the creation of CSI - Knox.

The officer said: “The school children in the area all know who Lynn is and she has developed a very close working relationship with all her schools, but in particular with Knox Academy.

“She was invited to participate in their activity week, which presented an ideal opportunity for the police to interact with pupils who come to the attention of the police and partner agencies on a regular basis.” PC Black also received a Force Excellence award for her work in the community in 2012 and was highly commended in the Community Service category at the SWDF awards.

It was not only Sergeant Nicholson who was singing her praises.

A spokeswoman for the town’s Jericho Youth Cafe was similarly quick to praise Lynn, who attended both King’s Meadow and Knox Academy.

“While this nomination contains no bells or whistles for heroism, it is made for an officer who is genuinely engaged in and concerned about the welfare of her community and the activities going on therein,” said the spokeswoman.  “Her conscientious perseverance and commitment to the community and the people she serves is a credit to East Lothian police.” PC Black also worked for the East Lothian Courier as the Haddington reporter after graduating from Aberdeen University and obtaining an MA, with Honours, in English.

However, she realised that she wanted to work with the police.

She added: “I worked in Midlothian for a spell and then Musselburgh and North Berwick, before I got the job I have always wanted in Haddington.”