A STALWART police officer who has walked the beat for the last four decades has been nominated for a Community Pride award.

Chief officer Jerry Holland, of North Yorkshire Police's Special Constabulary, has been put forward for Volunteer of the Year by his colleagues after 41 years as a volunteer.

Mr Holland began his career in the police as a member of Sussex Police Special Constabulary in June 1974, serving in Shoreham-by-Sea.

However, other work commitments meant he transferred to West Mercia Police four year later, before arriving in North Yorkshire in 1981.

He initially worked as a Community Special Constable in Poppleton and was involved in tackling anti-social behaviour.

In August 1982 Mr Holland was promoted to section officer, and then to sub divisional officer in 1985 where he remained for 22 years until he was awarded the role of district officer.

He became Special Constabulary chief officer in September 2011.

Zoe Hodgkin, special constabulary liaison officer, at Fulford Road police station, said: "We feel that Jerry should be recognised at the end of his final year for all the years of time, effort and commitment he has provided to the community of York.

"Jerry has dealt with a wide variety of incidents and items of note, including running the Special Constabulary First Aid team which competed in the local ambulance league.

"Another was when a light aircraft landed on the Knavesmire without permission and due to the actions undertaken by Jerry, the pilot came close to having his flying licence endorsed.

"Jerry has particularly enjoyed working in the city centre and policing numerous parades and events over the years, however, his passion has always been policing his own community.

"In the years he has policed the village of Poppleton he has assisted, supported and helped many of the community.

"He is now helping the second generation of families through some of their more 'adventurous' times."

The awards are run in partnership with City of York Council and the primary sponsor is Benenden.

All Community Pride nominees must live in, or contribute to life in, the City of York Council area. Around three finalists from each category will be invited to the awards ceremony at York Racecourse in October, when the winners will be revealed.

You can make a nomination www.yorkpress.co.uk/pride.

Entries must be submitted by Friday, July 17.