Special Constable Mike Tupman, who was made an MBE this year, is celebrating again after being rewarded for consistent and conscientious duty.

Mr Tupman was rewarded at the Chief Constable’s Parade, which honours the work of Wiltshire Police’s special constables, in Marlborough on Saturday.

The 71-year-old from Burbage said: “I was delighted because it was for a couple of ordinary jobs. In policing it is all about local knowledge and that helped me.”

The first incident was in September this year when he found a high-risk missing woman after other officers had been unable to locate her.

The second incident was in October when carrying out clerical jobs at the town police station.

He heard over the radio that three men in a stolen vehicle had driven away from Hungerford and fled after their car crashed into a wall in New Road, Marlborough.

Two of the men were caught quickly but the third escaped. Mr Tupman used his local knowledge to detain the third offender.

Mr Tupman, who was made an MBE for services to Wiltshire Police and the community, said: “It has been a brilliant year. My family and friends believe it is nice to see an ordinary person get awards like that. It is nice that the powers that be say well done and you get a pat on the back.”

The grandfather, who retired from working in sales at Cadbury aged 56, has been a special constable for 29 years.

He now volunteers 60 hours a month in that role.

He said: “It has been a natural progression to dedicate more time.

“Special constables’ professionalism has increased. Before, you could not drive cars. Now we have the same powers as police officers and carry the same equipment.

“I like to help people, whether that means I am telling people the time or helping them off the ground.

“To make a good special constable you have two ears and one mouth and use them in that order. You need to listen twice as much as you should speak.”