A SPECIAL constable has spent more than 1,200 hours volunteering – the equivalent of 32 hours a week.

But what makes Joshua Goreham’s contribution even astonishing is his tender age.

The Royal Wootton Bassett-based officer is just 19 years old.

The teen was given the inaugural police and crime commissioner’s special constable of the year award, with police chiefs describing SPC Goreham’s commitment and dedication outstanding.

His duties are much the same as many regular cops – going out on blue-light runs, patrolling and guarding crime scenes.

Mr Goreham was one of the first police officers at the scene of a horror crash on the A429 near Corston in September that claimed the lives of two pensioners.

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He joined the special constabulary in 2018: “I wanted to make a difference in my community and help people.”

The teenager will be joining the Met Police in January. Previously, though, the special constabulary role fitted around his normal job: “I’d come home then go straight out to the police station.”

He said he’d attend jobs together with his full-time counterparts: “It could be anything ranging from road traffic collisions to mental health crises and domestic disturbances.”

Mr Goreham urged anyone thinking of signing up as a special constable to “totally do it”: “It’s an incredible career.

"It will give you some incredible experiences.

"There’s nothing in the world like it. I couldn’t wait to put on the uniform.”