TWO Basildon police officers have been praised for going 'above and beyond' the duty expected of them.

Community Police Officers Daniel Brady and Kyli Nice are the heroes of residents at the Southwood Court retired housing complex in the Fryens area of Basildon.

Jeanette McQuilliam, who is home manager at the complex, explains why, saying: "I should like to express our huge gratitude to PCSOs Brady and Nice for going over and above what could ever be expected of a serving member of Essex Police.

"They have very kindly been out and purchased a beautiful Christmas tree for our elderly residents at Southwood Court out of their own pockets. Not at all what we would have imagined them doing and it really is appreciated. The residents and staff are absolutely delighted with it. It has brought smiles to all of us – residents and staff alike.

"Added to this, these officers are a huge credit to the force they serve; they have built up a great relationship with the residents in this 40 flat Almshouse.

"Our residents have complete trust in them and even attend their cops with coffee events and have the confidence to approach them when seen out and about.

"They have never been anything over than professional, caring, informative, humorous, and understanding of the needs of their audience. Both PCSOs have assisted in several of the events we have held, and nothing is ever too much trouble for them.

"When we have had issues here with youths and nuisance bikes, they have ensured that this has been dealt with swiftly and effectively. They offer invaluable advice to our residents in numerous areas, this has been very important to us as staff to see the residents being educated in relation to things like fraud and keeping valuables close when shopping alongside many other areas.

"Such advice helps to prevent them falling foul of crime and subsequent distress, you cannot put a price on that kind of support."

A spokesperson for Essex Police in Basildon said: "We are super proud of them."