A new survey has found almost nine out of ten police officers volunteered to carry out unpaid community work or fund-raising activities alongside their duties throughout the coronavirus pandemic.

Research carried out for today’s Public Service Day by Boundless - a membership club for civil service and public sector workers – found 88 per cent of those polled had either volunteered or raised money during the covid crisis.

Officers who responded were also found to have raised an amazing £13,817 per person for charity during the course of their career.

South Wales Police Federation chair Steve Treharne said the results of the survey came as no surprise.

"Police officers alway seem to be able to find the time to get involved with volunteering and fund-raising even though they lead such busy lives with work and family commitment," he explained.

"So it was no surprise to hear that so many of our members, who have been working under such challenging circumstances throughout the coronavirus pandemic, were willing to get involved with community initiatives and charities.

"Police officers are decent, caring people and it is in their nature to offer to help out whenever and wherever they can."

The survey findings were described as ‘fantastic’ by national Police Federation chair John Apter.

He said: "Police officers are humble people who do not really want to have the spotlight shone on them. However, I think it is really important we celebrate our colleagues and the difference they make to society both on and off duty."

Boundless director Darren Milton also paid tribute: "If we didn’t know already just how special the people who work in the police service are, these survey results really underline it."

The research was conducted for Boundless by Opinion Matters and involved 2,048 employed respondents.

Other survey findings detailed the main voluntary activities supported by police officers and service employees during the pandemic.

These included:

• Donating items - 29 per cent
• Organising fund-raising events - 25 per cent
• Delivering meals or items to underprivileged/vulnerable people - 22 per cent
• Organising virtual quiz nights - 16 per cent
• Online counselling -12 per cent
• Producing and sharing information about Covid - 10 per cent
• Taking part in sponsored walks or runs - 10 per cent
• Making or donating PPE - 10 per cent.