A police officer who helps break down barriers between the emergency services and vulnerable adults and ethnic communities across Cornwall has been shortlisted for a national award from more than 1,000 nominations.

PC Colin Gameson, based at Bodmin Police Hub, is the man behind the highly successful ‘Blue Light Day’ which is now held at the Royal Cornwall Showground.

Colin said: ‘Blue Light Day is very much a partnership event involving up to 70 organizations which provide healthcare and support services to those with learning difficulties.’

Colin has also coordinated the Safe Places Scheme where business and public sector organisations volunteer to act as a Safe Place should a vulnerable member of the public require assistance or wishes to report hate bullying.

Colin’s role as a diversity officer involves him working with ethnic communities, marginalised groups and refugees. He spearheads the Holocaust Memorial Day events across Cornwall each January which remember those who suffered in the Holocaust and in subsequent genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur.

The Diversity Champion Awards recognise an individual who has shown outstanding initiative to promote diversity internally and externally making a positive difference in others’ lives through significant contributions to social justice, equality and diversity. Colin is one of five shortlisted for the public sector award.

He will find out if he has won at a ceremony which is being held in Manchester on November 30.