HUNDREDS of unpaid special constables across Lancashire have been praised for delivering 125,000 hours of service over the last year - equivalent to £2.5 million pounds worth of policing.

During 2013, Lancashire’s 459 Special Constables seized 2,874 litres of alcohol from under-age drinkers, made 2,059 checks of licensed premises, responded to 1,300 crime enquiries, made 1,013 ‘reassurance visits’ and seized 13 vehicles, said police.

They also performed over 1600 roadside breathalyzer tests and dedicated 54,000 hours of their time to neighbourhood policing patrols.

Nigel Walters, the chief officer of Lancashire’s Special Constabulary, has now extended his gratitude to the unpaid volunteer police officers who have the same powers as regular police officers and wear the same uniform.

Mr Walters said: “2013 has been another impressive year for the Special Constabulary, and I would to thank all those who have helped us to achieve this.

"This includes the training staff, police staff, all our agencies and officers who enable specials to support the regulars in the way we do.

"I would also like to extend a warm thank you to our specials’ family members for their understanding, particularly when our Specials are dedicating their free time over the holiday periods.

“Shifts can also go well into the night and yet, Specials continue to give their time and effort. This is week after week, year after year, and the support specials offer directly helps the communities we serve in. So please, pat yourselves on the back; you are all vital, and what you do counts enormously.

“Finally, I would like to thank the Specials Leadership Team for their support and hard work, as delivering over £2.5m-worth of policing with a voluntary leadership team demonstrates extraordinary commitment to their roles.”

Chief Superintendent Bill McMahon said: “Lancashire Constabulary is proud of what the Special Constabulary achieves. The diversity of policing they face is wide and specials make a huge impact on our communities.

“The Special Constabulary continues to grow and deliver a high quality of service in the finest traditions of Lancashire Constabulary.”

Special Constables carry out local patrols, police local events and take part in crime reduction projects, working to cut crime and anti-social behaviour.

Lancashire’s Special Constabulary is recruiting and for more information on how to apply, visit; www.lancashire.police.uk/recruitment/special-constablehttp://www.lancashire.police.uk/recruitment/special-constable