Busking bobby an online hit

A policeman from Birmingham known as the 'busking bobby' who uses his talent for singing to help the homeless has been given an award by the Prime Minister.

Read: Internet hit the 'busking bobby' given Government award

A policeman from Birmingham known as the 'busking bobby' who uses his talent for singing to help the homeless has been given an award by the Prime Minister.

PC Ian Northcott's been given the Point of Light award by David Cameron for using his spare time to encourage people to donate clothing, sleeping bags and chocolate to those sleeping on the city's streets.

The West Midlands police officer became an internet sensation after a a video which captured him busking for a crowd on New Street had more than 50,000 online hits.

Read: Busking bobby an online hit

A video which captured a West Midlands police officer busking for a crowd on New Street in Birmingham City Centre has now had more than 500,000 online hits.

He told ITV News Central how he came to busk that day unexpectedly.

Chief Superintendent Clive Burgess, from Birmingham West & Central Police, has reacted to the online success of a video which showed a policeman busking to shoppers.

He said: "Whilst neighbourhood policing is primarily about being highly visible in order to deter and detect crime - another key part of the job is to interact with the public and to provide a friendly, reassuring presence.

"It’s clear that many people, be they in the crowd at the time or watching on social media, enjoyed the performance and I’m sure the majority will agree that this really encapsulates the true spirit of neighbourhood policing."