A SPECIAL constable from Bolton, who has volunteered for nearly half a century, has received a top award.

Linden Riley received a lifetime achievement award from GMP chief constable Ian Hopkins at the force's annual Citizens in Policing Awards.

The awards, timed to tie in with the national Volunteers Week, honour those who have given up their free time to support the police.

And few have given up more time than Mr Riley, who is retiring after serving for 48 years as a special constable.

Ch Con Hopkins said: "It’s always humbling to meet those who give up their free time to help others, and these awards really highlight what a huge contribution volunteers make to Greater Manchester Police every single day. The time and dedication that these people give is truly remarkable.

"Everyone has a part to play in keeping our communities safe and it’s fantastic to see so many people devoting their own time so willingly to making Greater Manchester an even better place to live."

It is the latest in a number of awards earned by Mr Riley, who was named in The Queen's Birthday Honours list last year, receiving the British Empire Medal.

A former engineer and photographer, Mr Riley has saved the lives of two citizens while out on duty.

He gave a woman from Deane the kiss of life in the 1970s after she was accidentally hit in the throat and stopped breathing.

In a separate later incident he managed to prevent a two-year-old girl from choking to death.

Other events in his long career include working at the Pope's visit to Manchester in the 1980s and the 2002 Commonwealth Games, and brushing shoulders with famous faces including Princess Diana, George Best, comedian Ken Dodd the current Home Secretary Theresa May.

He has carried the GMP banner in the Manchester Day Parade and often turns out at Remembrance Sunday events in Bolton, and has been a regular face at Wanderers home matches.

There were nine other awards given out at the event, held at the Hilton Manchester Airport Hotel.

Jim Battle, deputy police and crime commissioner, added: "Volunteers are the community force of Greater Manchester, contributing their time, experience, and knowledge for the benefit of others.

"Our volunteers are the reason why Greater Manchester is great.

"I was pleased to join outstanding volunteers at this event, recognising their contributions and achievements in many different ways. These are the people who do make a difference to our neighbourhoods, supporting individuals and backing Greater Manchester Police."