A VOLUNTEER police officer who became a well-known face in Wantage will hang up his uniform at the end of the month.

Special Sergeant Hugh Reid, 54, has helped keep the town safe for 20 years.

And he has been given a Town Pride in Wantage Award by the mayor, Patrick O’Leary, to mark his long service.

Mr Reid, who was Special Constable of the Year in 2005, said: “I usually work on Friday nights and 99 per cent of my time is spent on foot.

“I originally joined because I had an interest in law and because I felt it would help me maintain the quality of life in the town, but over the years it has made me less materialistic.

“When you see what a mess other people have got themselves into, it makes you appreciate your life more.

“It also allows you to meet loads of other people and I have developed some tremendous friendships.”

Mr Reid decided to join the Special Constabulary after starting to work in the town, and said he would encourage others to follow his example.

He said: “You do sometimes think ‘How did I end up here?’ when you’re waiting to give evidence in court or something, but it is well worth it.

“You can expect to experience another element of life, test yourself and improve your community in a most incredible way.

“At the same time you get trained and develop all sorts of other skills which would never have otherwise thought about.

“I’m going to miss it terribly.”

Chief Insp Andy Boyd paid tribute to his hard work.

He said: “Hugh’s selflessly given 20 years of his life to the community and Thames Valley Police are enormously grateful.”

Mr O’Leary added: “He’s held in such high regard by everyone, particularly the teenagers, who really respect him.

“I would like to extend our gratitude towards Hugh and thank him for his years to the community.

Mr Reid who describes himself as “rotund”, now intends to write a book entitled The Fat Blue Line about his experiences as an officer in the Thames Valley Police Special Constabulary.

wantage@oxfordmail.co.uk