The ability to listen and communicate is what makes a special constable according to Alan Petrie, who has received a medal for spending 20 years in the role.

Mr Petrie, 50, of Bratton, received the long service medal bar at the Chief Constable Parade, which recognises the efforts of Wiltshire Police’s Special Constables, in Marlborough on Saturday.

The father-of-two said: “I do this to give back to the community and I really enjoy what I do.”

As a special constable he has to volunteer 16 hours a month on top of his full time job as a mechanic, and he still has the same powers as a regular officer.

He said: “It can be hard sometimes but it is a very rewarding job.”

Mr Petrie studied at Matravers School in Westbury and has been a mechanic since the age of 16. He worked for Volkswagen and the RAC before starting his own business, Alan Petrie Motors Ltd, eight years ago.

Mr Petrie has worked in Westbury for most of his career, but spent eight years in Trowbridge, and is now part of the Westbury and Warminster Neighbourhood Policing Team.

He said: “I think you have to have life experiences before becoming a special constable.

“The uniform doesn’t give you the right to tell people what to do. You have to be reasonable with people, and have the ability to listen and communicate.”

Special Constable David Lee, of Bradford on Avon, also received a long service medal bar for serving 20 years with Wiltshire Police.