Festive cheer for Heywood youngsters as Neighbourhood officers host Christmas party

Saturday, 23 December 2023 15:45

By David Murphy

GMP's Heywood Neighbourhood Team treated 15 young competition winners to early presents thanks to their efforts in designing Christmas decorations for the station.

The team put out a plea via local schools, children’s groups and community newsletters for the children of Heywood to create a cheerful decoration that would help jazz up the station’s Christmas tree for officers working over the festive period.

The winners were subsequently invited down to the station on Wednesday December 20, where they each received a gift, met local officers, and even got to meet the big man himself as Father Christmas made a special appearance.

The event was organised by PCSO Jennifer George, who said: “Every Christmas I plan an event for the community in Heywood and this year I decided to set up a Christmas competition and a party that would engage both young children and their families.

“It was really important to me and the team that the children we don’t usually get a chance to interact with have an opportunity to come and get actively involved with the team.”

From twinkling lights to decorations that would make Santa’s workshop jealous, the room was set up to captivate the imaginations of the young children.

The party kicked off with some games to get the children warmed up and on their feet, and once everyone had received a sticker for their fabulous moves, Sgt Matthew Honey handed out certificates to all of the boys and girls to thank them for their creative decorations that have brightened up the station’s Christmas tree.

The Christmas party wouldn’t have been complete without a very special visitor, and right on cue, Santa appeared at the door and joined the party. The children had the chance to share their Christmas wishes and received a pile of gifts.

Sgt Honey said: “I was really pleased to welcome over 15 young people and their parents to Heywood Police station for the Christmas party. Increasing public confidence is one of our teams’ main aims and over the last year we have embarked on several projects to drive this. Our local community told me they want more access to the team and the police station, so we have opened the doors on many occasions in 2023.

“Events including open days, sergeant surgeries and neighbourhood policing surgeries are now a regular occurrence at Heywood.

“PCSO George has worked tirelessly to organise this latest event and has done a fantastic job, the children all had a great time and the station is certainly ready for the big day now”.