A police volunteer has been awarded a royal honour for his services to the community in Looe and Fowey.

Russ Hall, a Special Constable for Devon and Cornwall Police has been awarded a British Empire Medal in the Queen’s birthday honours 2018.

Russ joined the Royal Navy in 1980 and Devon and Cornwall Police in 1987, completing his regular service in 2013 as the Neighbourhood Team Sergeant stationed at Looe.

On retiring in August 2013, Russ immediately became a Special Constable, dedicating time to continue his work supporting coastal communities.

He is also a volunteer Harbour Commissioner at Fowey as well as a volunteer for the Mission to Seafarers at Fowey Docks.

He said: ‘It’s a great honour to be recognised and I’m proud of my service but it’s really the work of the many other volunteers who have supported me over the last 38 years that has made me look at all deserving of this recognition and my appreciation goes to them.’