A SCHOOL caretaker is making a clean sweep after 12 years as a special constable.

Colin Swalwell always wanted to be a policeman and realised his ambition at the age of 44.

"I did go down once to the police station to join - but they were closed," said Mr Swalwell, who is the caretaker at the Harry Dack School in Loftus, east Cleveland.

"It was 20 years later, when I reached the age of 44, that I took the steps of joining the specials, and then it took more than a year, from applying, to get into uniform."

Now aged 58, Mr Swalwell has hung up his tunic for the last time. He is retiring from the specials, but continuing in his work looking after the school.

While police work had always been his ambition, he was persuaded to work in the family's farming and milk business. He and his wife, Sheila, run a stud farm.

The man who was congratulated four times for his "excellent" police work, says he misses the comradeship of working with the police.

"It was all very worthwhile," he said.

"I know 70 per cent of the people in Loftus, and being in the specials had its moments. There were some bad times, but the people who appreciate what you do make up for it."

Superintendent Steve Swales, of Cleveland Police, said: "Colin has been an excellent officer.

"He has successfully combined a busy working life with voluntary police work and has made a tremendous contribution to policing Loftus. We all wish him well for the future."