A SCHEME which sees volunteers make unannounced visits to police stations in the region to check on the wellbeing of detainees has been given a top accolade.

The so-called independent custody visiting scheme run by the office of the West Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) has won a Gold Standard Quality Assurance award.

The awards were introduced by the Independent Custody Visiting Association to recognise strengths and achievements of the programme and promote the sharing of good practice.

A presentation ceremony took place at the House of Lords.

As part of the scheme, volunteers check that detainees' rights and dignity are being respected and report their findings to the PCC.

The gold award is welcomed by West Yorkshire PCC, Mark Burns-Williamson.

"We have a truly dedicated team of independent custody visitors who selflessly give-up their time to make a real difference to policing on behalf of our communities," he said.

"This award is for all the volunteers and our hard-working office staff.

"I am proud that the gold standard award reflects their hard work and commitment to our scheme. My thanks go to each and every one of them for the difference they continue to make."

Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer should visit westyorkshire-pcc.gov.uk/get-involved/custody-visiting.aspx or call 01924 294000.