A SPECIAL constable from Tidworth was among a group of officers recently recognised for their long service to Wiltshire Police.

The chief constable of Wiltshire, Brian Moore, presented the 16 special constables with awards for long service and independent patrol status at Bowood House, near Calne.

John Wilding, from Tidworth, was one of seven officers to receive the nine-year service medal in front of family and distinguished guests.

Mr Moore said: “It was a great pleasure and honour for me to be able to recognise the remarkable commitment and dedication that these volunteer officers give to Wiltshire Police and the communities we serve. We are all so proud of our special colleagues and very grateful to their families for supporting and encouraging them to become and remain volunteer police officers to ensure we remain on track to make Wiltshire the safest county in the country.”

If anyone is interested in becoming a special constable, or any local employer is interested in how they can support the special constabulary by encouraging members of their team to join, visit www.wiltshirepolice.uk or contact Andy Philimore in the recruitment team on 0845 408 7000.