A PART-TIME policeman who was hailed a hero after getting people to safety when a fuel tanker began spewing out a dangerous liquid has been honoured.

Dave Taylor, one of West Mercia Police's special constables, was off-duty when he saw the lorry rupture its delivery pipe at a Cleobury Mortimer nursery, gushing out gallons of liquid petroleum gas.

He immediately sprang into action and began directing traffic away from the spill, an effort which took up most of his day off.

Now Mr Taylor, a self-employed music teacher from Cleobury Mortimer, has been recognised for his work as a special by being named runner-up by West Mercia Police in the annual High Sheriff's Trophy award.

Mr Taylor, 30, said: "I was very honoured and quite shocked to receive the award. I have been doing this for five-and-a-half years and to be recognised so soon really is an honour."

Mr Taylor spends six to eight hours a week on duty, when he works as a police officer in Stourport, Cleobury Mortimer and Bewdley. Special Constable David Taylor outside Bewdley Police station.

He said: "I get a great reward from doing the job, most of all knowing that I am working to keep people safe."

Mark Barnbrook, another special with Kidderminster Police, was honoured for his work in Hagley when he was named West Mercia's Probationer of the Year.

Anyone wishing to become a special constable with West Mercia Police can obtain more information from Barry Vale on 08457 444 888.