Unsung hero Alan Holt, whose work led indirectly to a raid on a cannabis factory, has won the prestigious John Jay Shield.

The vice-chairman of Dorset Crimestoppers received the award from Borough of Poole's Safe Together Partnership.

This 10th anniversary honour has gone to the man from Blandford who has been involved with Dorset Crimestoppers for nine years and recognises his fundraising efforts and work done to raise the group's profile.

His involvement with the group led to the closing down of the cannabis factory and to drugs with a street value of £20,000 being seized.

Police received an anonymous tip-off as a result of one of his presentations, which provided a member of the public with the free and anonymous Crimestoppers number (0800 555111).

Receiving the shield from Paul Bompas, a former divisional commander at Poole, Mr Holt said he accepted it on behalf of the entire board.

"For me it is a huge honour to receive this award.

"We don't do this work to win awards but when we do, it is truly appreciated and a fantastic way of having the work we do recognised by others," he said.

Richard Daubeney, chairman of Dorset Crimestoppers said: "Alan has a real passion to help the community and is an unsung hero.

"He has regularly given up his own time and used his annual leave to attend events, make presentations and man information stalls on behalf of the charity."

Runners-up for this year's award were Rachel Sharpe, who has campaigned for equipment for Heckford Park play area in Poole, and Brian Lovell, an active member of Poole Crime Prevention Panel.