A SPECIAL CONSTABLE from North Yorkshire will be honoured at a national awards ceremony in London today.

District Officer Alan Simpson who is based in Richmond has been highly commended for the Ferrers’ Trophy Team Award. Established by the former Minister of State, Earl Ferrers, the award highlights the valuable contribution that special constables and civilian volunteers make to policing local neighbourhoods and communities every day.

Alan has been a special constable with North Yorkshire Police for 40 years and is based in Richmond but as a District Officer, has responsibility for the coordination of all Special Constables right across the Richmondshire area.

His award is in recognition of forty years service to the people of Richmondshire and his tireless work in supporting the local communities ensuring the area remains one of the safest places in the country.

His day job as a farm worker after previously running a farm of his own provides quite a contrast to his work as a special, but his local knowledge is invaluable when dealing with rural crime issues and prevention methods. He said: “I’m extremely proud to work for North Yorkshire Police and feel very honoured to receive the award.

“Being a Special Constable is both rewarding and extremely interesting and has provided me with opportunities, challenges and experiences; I would not have come across otherwise. I would like to thank everyone who nominated me for the award.”

Area Commander for the Western area, Chief Superintendent Colin Taylor, added: “I would personally like to thank Alan for his unending support and dedication to the force. We are proud to have such professional and dedicated officers on our team.

“These awards recognise the vital role played by the Special Constabulary which is very much appreciated, especially as their work is carried out in their spare time, often at evenings and weekends. Alan thoroughly deserves this honour.”