MR COLIN Swalwell always wanted to be a policeman - and he finally saw his dream come true at the age of 44.

Now, after more than 12 years on the beat as a special, mostly around his home town of Loftus, he has retired.

The 58-year-old said his dream job was always the police but he was persuaded to work in the family farming and milk business.

"I once went down to the police station to join - but it was closed," he said. "It was 20 years later, at 44, that I joined the specials and then it took more than a year from applying to getting into uniform."

Mr Swalwell and his wife, Sheila, run a stud farm and he also works as a caretaker at the Harry Dack school in Loftus.

"I miss the comradeship and not being in uniform," he said. "Being a 'special' was so worthwhile. There were some bad times but the people who appreciate what you do make up for it."

During his service, Mr Swalwell was congratulated four times for excellent work and promoted to section officer.

Even though he is now retired, Mr Swalwell will still have links with the police. His daughter, Victoria, is a control room operator with North Yorkshire police at Whitby.