RICH Johnson said he is fulfilling a childhood ambition by joining the police after starting as a Special Constable.

He has become one of the 144 Special Constables in Gwent Police as the force bids to recruit more.

Although the force is recruiting in all areas, they are especially keen to take on new recruits in Blaenau Gwent and Monmouthshire.

Mr Johnson, 23, is a full-time estate agent in Cardiff, working 40 hours a week, and volunteers an average of ten hours a week as a Special Constable, based in Maindee.

He started training last March and passed out in August before hitting the streets.

To begin with, specials are teamed up with another officer until they pass all areas required to gain independent patrol status.

Special constables have all the powers of a police officer, the only difference is they are volunteers. Mr Johnson joined after seeing an advert for an open day.

He said he hopes being a special constable will lead to him becoming a police officer.

"I've always wanted to be a police officer since a very young age. This helps get my foot in the door, without a doubt, for people thinking about being a Police Constable, I would definitely recommend it."

For more information about being a Special Constable, visit www,gwent.police.uk