A COLLABORATION between Essex and Kent police forces has won police project of the year.

The joint Essex and Kent Support Services Directorate was awarded the gong at a ceremony held by the Improvement and Efficiency Social Enterprise on Tuesday.

The directorate is designed to improve service quality and make financial savings by sharing support services between Essex and Kent Police.

Nick Alston, Police and Crime Commissioner for Essex, commented: "This national award demonstrates that Essex and Kent are at the forefront of police force collaboration, delivering an effective and efficient service, both for our busy teams of officers and staff and, crucially, for the people of our counties."