A POLICE officer who went to the racetrack when he was supposed to be giving evidence in court has kept his job -- thanks to people power.

Today PC Geoff Warburton thanked the Blackburn town centre community where he works after his misconduct hearing was inundated with letters, cards and a petition urging force bosses not to sack him.

PC Warburton was due to give evidence in a Burnley Crown Court trial on April 7 but he headed off to Donington Park Race Circuit, Leicestershire, for the day.

His "no show" prompted charges of affray and racially aggravated destruction of property against three Blackburn men to be thrown out due to a lack of evidence.

Judge Lesley Newton demanded a police inquiry after sending officers of the court to PC Warburton's home in the Ribble Valley to find out where he was.

He could have lost his job but bosses instead imposed a fine, the next level of punishment, and warned him that he had fallen short of the standards expected of a police officer.

His two-and-a-half-month suspension has been lifted and he has taken a holiday before returning to work.

He said: "I just want to thank everyone who has stood by me in the community."

Letters to the Lancashire Police internal disciplinary hearing said he was a conscientious, hard-working officer who would be a loss to the service.

That, together with his own remorse and testimonies from colleagues and bosses, helped him keep his job.

The hearing was told the incident was down to a mix-up by PC Warburton over dates and he was unaware the court case was taking place.

Coun Ron O'Keeffe, who used to run the Little Sheffield ironmongers in Darwen Street, said: "If I ever needed assistance, I could always count on PC Warburton to be there. He was always helpful and considered an asset by traders."

PC Warburton's boss, Inspector Ian McCann said: "He is a deeply committed officer who has always worked tirelessly to make the lives of people in Blackburn and the surrounding area crime-free.

"I am really looking forward to him getting back to work and doing what he does best."

Steve Edwards, chairman of the Lancashire Police Federation, which represents rank and file officers, said: "I am delighted he can return to his job.

"It was a misunderstanding that has been blown out of all proportion and we can really do without losing officers like Geoffrey."

The chairman of the hearing, Assistant Chief Constable Adrian McAllister said that the matter was viewed very seriously by the Constabulary.

Detective Chief Superintendent Chris Weigh, head of professional standards department, said: "The fact that the officer has admitted his wrongdoing and shown genuine remorse is welcomed and together with the support from the public, has had a bearing on the sanction imposed.

"However, the public have a right to expect more from its police officers and this officer's conduct fell short of what is expected."

* In November 2001, PC Warburton was hailed a hero by ambulance staff after saving the life of two heroin users who had overdosed.

He gave them mouth-to-mouth resuscitation at a Blackburn house and said afterwards: "I was just doing my job."