WHEN community bobby Jason Taylor talks about pounding the beat he's not only talking about policing the streets.

The Whalley-based officer is a DJ in his spare time and has received an award for his community work, which includes setting up youth discos.

Jason was handed the Ribble Valley Community Engagement Award by the borough council for dedication to duty.

He was among Lancashire's first intake of police and community support officers (PCSOs) when he joined the scheme in November 2002.

Initially based in Clitheroe, the Blackburn-born officer moved to Whalley and has built up a rapport with local businesses and youngsters.

Jason, 23, a former pupil of Darwen Vale School, manages Whalley's youth football team and runs discos.

He said: "Whalley is a fantastic place to work and the people are great. Despite appearances it can be very busy because people tend to have a very low tolerance of anti-social behaviour.

"The youth disco just came naturally as I've been DJing since I was 17. I have my own Sunday night residency at a club in Wakefield."

Jason - better known to clubbers as DJ Jay Taylor - joined forces with Whalley's Rendezvous nightclub to host a series of junior discos that proved a huge hit.

Ribble Valley Council chief executive, David Morris, presented Jason with the award. He said: "Jason has successfully engaged with the Whalley community by spending lots of time on high visibility patrol and getting to know residents.

"His pioneering youth work has made him extremely popular with village youngsters."

The next youth night at Rendezvous is on Friday, October 22, 6pm and 9pm and will be open to under 16s. The entrance is £2.50 on the door and £1 for soft drinks.