SPECIAL constable James Baker was honoured for his 12 years' service based at Newton Abbot Police Station in a ceremony last week.

He was one of nine to receive a long service and good conduct award from Chief Constable Stephen Otter. The High Sheriff of Cornwall, Iain Mackie, police authority member Lynda Price and Special Constabulary Chief Officer Buster Brown also attended the ceremony, held in Saltash.

Mr Baker, a keen rugby player, is a civilian detention officer at Torquay custody centre. He joined the specials in 1997.

One of his most memorable incidents was following the trail left after a theft from a small newsagents in Newton Abbot town centre. The offenders had made off with a large quantity of cigarettes and in their hurry left a trail of dropped packets. Mr Baker and his colleague followed the trail, which led them right to the offenders.

Mr Baker, now a family man with two children, resigned from the Special Constabulary this year.

CEREMONY: Pictured from left, High Sheriff of Cornwall Iain Mackie, Special constable James Baker and Chief Constable Stephen Otter.