A WALTHAMSTOW-based special police constable has been rewarded for long service.

John Ayers, 57, who lives in Enfield but patrols in Walthamstow town centre, was given the award at a special ceremony after 39 years of service.

He is among the longest serving special constables in the capital, joining in 1970, and celebrates his 40th anniversary in June next year.

The father-of-two, who works as a planning enforcement officer, said: “Things have changed dramatically.

“When I first joined, the training was very basic – you were just let out on the streets after 32 hours' training.

“It's changed for the better. Specials are treated much better now.”

Mr Ayers had hoped to become a regular police officer but was turned down three times because he was not tall enough – once, only by a fifth of an inch.

He said: “It's going out and talking to people I enjoy – whether it's a youngster or an elderly lady.

“There's lots of excitement as well – there's always something to do and always people to speak to.”

He has also been commended after being stabbed in the chest during an attempt to break up a fight in 1979.

Mr Ayers said: “I was stabbed in the chest and in the arm as well. The guy got three years and I got a commissioner's commendation.”

He was also on duty during ambulance workers' strikes in the 1980s and ended up taking a man to hospital in a van after he was pelted with bricks in a Tottenham street.

Mr Ayers transferred to Waltham Forest in 2002.

Police in Waltham Forest are currently hoping to recruit more specials and more than 70 people expressed an interest at an event on Saturday at Selborne Walk shopping centre.