Police volunteers honoured

Pensioners Eric Thomas and Charlotte Billingsley have a combined total of 20 years voluntary service with the force between them.

Mr Thomas has been on the front desk at Low Hill Police Station in Wolverhampton since it opened in 2003.

And former lollipop lady Mrs Billingsley has taken up various roles with Wolverhampton police, while coordinating her local Moat House Estate Neighbourhood Watch group in Wednesfield.

Both were handed certificates by Wolverhampton Police Commander, Chief Superintendent Simon Hyde.

He said of the pair: "Charlotte and Eric are both exceptionally committed people who make a valuable contribution, giving their free time and talent in order to help make our communities safer places.

"Their effort is thoroughly appreciated by officers and staff at Wolverhampton local policing unit and they are very much part of the team; they are highly regarded, very much appreciated and an inspiration to us all."

Mr Thomas, aged 79, previously worked at Wolverhampton paint factory Manders for 30 years.

He said he loved helping out and said that if more people volunteered the station's front desk could stay open for longer hours.

"Visitors might just ask for directions, advice or information," Mr Thomas, who is at the station on Mondays and Wednesdays, said.

"Some people like to speak to someone in person behind the desk rather than pick up the phone and dial 101 - they appreciate I'm not an officer but know I can get Pcs out to them quickly if needed.

"I'm almost 80 now but I've no intention of packing it in. I get to meet lots of people and am keeping an important local service open."

Mrs Billingsley, 75, has worked in crime file admin, the community safety bureau producing crime reduction packs and organising meetings.

She said: "You name it, I've done it.

""I promote the Neighbourhood Watch programme, help set up new groups, liaise with co-ordinators and keep contacts up to date.

"I wasn't ready to sit around watching daytime TV or pottering around in the garden; I wanted to keep busy and keep my mind active.

"The Neighbourhood Watch network is great for sharing police security messages - I can't think of a better way to volunteer than helping to keep neighbours and residents safe.

"I've made some good friends volunteering here and now have a hotline through to senior police officers in Wolverhampton."