THE Special Constabulary Drone team from Wiltshire Police has been recognised with a national award.

The team received the Technical Innovation Award at the Home Office Lord Ferrers Awards on Tuesday.

They are the eye in the sky for incidents including missing people, road traffic collisions, collapsed buildings and firearms.

Special Superintendent Rachel Oaten, who leads the Special Constabulary and is part of the team, said: “On behalf of the team I would like to say how honoured we all are to have won this award.

“As special constables we are pleased to offer support to operational policing in any way we can, but it is great to be able to use our interests, skills and experience to offer a service which can have such a significant impact on individuals and the community.

“When we first started the team we couldn’t anticipate how successful it would be, but we always had the support of the force and I would like to thank them for their belief in our vision and in this team.

“I would also like to thank those members of the team who have moved on to pastures new and without their initial support this initiative would not be possible.”

Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon, Angus Macpherson, said: “I am delighted that the Wiltshire Police drone unit has won this national award. It’s a real feather in the cap for our Special Constabulary.

“Volunteers play a pivotal role in our Force. This ‘eye in the sky’ technology helps police and other emergency services on the ground to find casualties, enabling life-saving first aid to be given. As well as safeguarding vulnerable people, our experienced drone pilots can help to track down offenders seeking to evade arrest.

“I am committed to keeping Wiltshire Police at the forefront of modern technology and leading the way with innovation to maintain Wiltshire as one of the safest places in the country to live.”