Kevin Thompson has spent the last 11 years patrolling the Daventry district streets as a special constable in his spare time, as well as enjoying life on the road with his band the Poison Ivy.

Mr Thompson, of Parkfield Road, Long Buckby, has now decided to settle down and is in the middle of training to become a full-time Police Community Support Officer (Pcso) for Northamptonshire Police.

Mr Thompson said: “I’m 50 years old now and I’ve been on the road [with the band] working professionally as a musician since I was 15.

“It’s time to come off the road now – I’ve been thinking about it for a long time now and I’ve been waiting for the right time.”

When he wasn’t playing the guitar and singing with Poison Ivy, Mr Thompson was at home with his family in Long Buckby where he has lived for around 27 years.

In 1997 he became a special constable based at Daventry Police Station, before becoming the parish special constable for Long Buckby in 1999.

He would patrol the village for up to 800 hours a year, building up good relationships with the local beat officer, schools, business, organisations and local youths.

Mr Thompson, who has made 23 arrests during his time as a special constable, said: “I wanted to put something back into my community and it’s been fantastic.

“I will carry on being a part-time musician but I decided to train to become a Pcso because I wanted to carry on the job I love and get paid for it.

“I’m posted in Daventry but as soon as possible I want to get back onto the rural beat. There is something about it that I love.

“People want to see us – it’s important to have high visibility policing and accessibility.

“I’m looking forward to it.Pcsos seem very popular and I’m looking forward to flying the flag.”

A spokesman for Northamptonshire Police said: “Kevin has given us many good years of service as a special and we hope will give us many more good years as a Police Community Support Officer.”

Anyone interested in becoming a special constable can call 08453 700700 ext 2098 or visit www.northants. police.uk/careers.