A 20-YEAR-OLD police volunteer who regularly gives up his social life to pound the beat in Rossendale has been honoured with a prestigious award.

Since joining the Special Constabulary 14 months ago, Callum Nuttall has assisted police officers on the beat and at events including football matches.

The Rossendale youngster works full time at Yates and Bloomfield, an Internet distribution company in Waterfoot, but has frequently mustered up the energy to spend his spare time to working alongside regular police officers in the Valley.

In reward for his hard work and professional manner, Callum was quickly fast-tracked to the rank of Special Sergeant.

Now the former All Saints RC Catholic Language College pupil has more cause for celebration after being named Special constabulary Student of the Year.

Callum, who lives in Whitewell Bottom, drew particular praise from judges for helping new recruits and having a smart appearance.

He said: “I’m really chuffed. It probably comes from the fact that it hasn’t felt like hard work because I love doing what I do.

“It’s something that comes naturally to me, so it’s even more gratifying to win the award.

“It can be quite difficult at times, especially with the number of hours I have been putting in.

“Sometimes I have to sacrifice my social life and nights out with the lads, but it’s worth it.”

After proving his worth, Callum is now trusted to patrol out independent patrols in Bacup town centre.

In the near future he hopes to fulfil a lifelong ambition of joining the police in the near future.

He said: “The plan is to stick with it and keep putting in the same amount of effort and hopefully one day, I will be rewarded with a paid job.”

The awards were presented by Assistant Chief Constable Andy Cooke at a ceremony earlier in the month.