Police support officer still on the beat at 75

Tony Wojnarowski was part of the first intake of police community support officers in 2003

Lancashire's longest serving police community support officer is still walking the beat at 75 years of age - and has no plans to hang up his uniform any time soon.

Tony Wojnarowski was part of the first intake of officers when the role was established in 2003 and has been based at Leyland ever since.

After being made redundant from an engineering role at the age of 53, he was looking for a new challenge and decided to apply after seeing an advert.

"Joining the police was a massive culture shock but I had so many skills that I could transfer into this role," he said.

"Out of all the jobs I have had, this has been the one that has given me the most satisfaction.

"It is unmeasurable and if I didn't love it, I would have retired years ago."

'Making a difference'

Over the last 22 years, Mr Wojnarowski has worked to tackle issues which matter most to the people of South Ribble.

The job has included providing a reassuring presence out on the beat, preventing speeding outside schools and reporting vandalism and antisocial behaviour.

"I love all aspects of the job, but I get most of my satisfaction working with young people, helping them to stay on the right track and be good citizens," the officer continued.

"There have been many times when grown-ups, with their own children, have approached me in the community and said they remember when I gave an input or assembly when they were at primary school.

"It's nice to know that people remember and that you have made a difference."

Mr Wojnarowski's line manager, Sgt Angela Atkinson, said: "Tony is an invaluable member of the South Ribble Neighbourhood Policing Team and has a really strong work ethic.

"His communication skills, which are a really important part of the role of a PCSO, are second to none and he will always go above and beyond to help members of the community.

"We're really lucky to have him."