After decades of serving his community, one man is ready for the life of retirement.

Special inspector Ian Walby is all set to hang up his vest and boots, after being a valued member of Cumbria Constabulary for 30 years.

The devoted staff member began volunteering with the service as a special constable in 1991, being promoted first to sergeant, then to inspector.

Throughout his career, SI Walby oversaw volunteer policing for the whole of West Cumbria, which at one point had more than 60 officers of varying ranks.

He has also given 10,00 hours of his own time to serve the entire Cumbrian community, even volunteering in other areas of the constabulary, and working 100 hours as one of the first leaders for the Police Cadets.

SI Walby has been deployed to many incidents during the past 30 years, from providing support to children, to being involved in serious investigations and providing lifesaving first aid, all the while supporting colleagues across the force to keep all in the county safe.

Commenting on his time as a special, and giving words of advice to those thinking of joining the Special Constabulary, SI Walby said: “We are now more integrated into the policing teams than we ever were, we can specialise and have the support of all the departments.

"If you want to be a special, give it a go and see if it is for you.”

Even while volunteering with Cumbria Police, the non-stop worker found time to serve 10 years to the Inshore Rescue where he was flood rescue, first aid, and powerboat trained.

Along with this, he also managed to fit in being a volunteer for the Blood Bikes – a role he plans to continue when he retires.

Speaking on SI Walby’s service, superintendent for West Cumbria, Dan StQuintin, said: “Ian has volunteered as a special constable for 30 years.

“He has given 10,000 hours to the community of West Cumbria during this time – that’s around seven hours a week for 30 years.

“Ian’s community spirit and great dedication to West Cumbria is impressive. He has led the West Cumbria specials team well, and leaves behind a dedicated voluntary team of special constables and sergeants who continue to get involved and make a difference.

“I am very grateful for Ian’s service and commitment. He has done a brilliant job.”