This weekend is National Police Specials Weekend and I’m delighted to take this opportunity to recognise the hard work and dedication of volunteer police officers in St Helens, Merseyside and across the country.

Special Constables play a key role in local policing and have the same powers in law as regular police officers, including the power of arrest. They come from all walks of life, and work alongside regular officers and PCSOs in our community and play a vital role in supporting the work of the police and the community.

Alongside full-time police officers, they are an integral part of our St Helens communities and this weekend we say: thank you!