The UK’s longest serving special policeman, who has given more than 50 years to the force, has been named as a finalist in an award that celebrates 'Brave Britons'.

Richard Warren, of Hullavington, has been volunteering on the beat for 52 years and is in the last four of Amplifon Brave Briton Awards, in the Best of British category.

The 74-year-old doesn't have any intentions to stop volunteering either, as he takes to the Malmesbury streets once a fortnight to carry out his patrols.

READ MORE: Malmesbury has Britain's longest serving police officer

He said: “I haven’t made that many arrests but I have been involved with other people’s arrests and helped people stay safe by being a chatty person and making sure the arrested person is distracted by keeping them talking.

“The best part of the role is being involved with real life. It’s really nice to know you can do things to help other people at stressful times in their lives.

“It’s great to have been nominated but the person that really deserves an award is my wife because she’s had to put up with me all these years. I’m very lucky to be the age that I am and still be able to do the things I do.”

Mr Warren also cares for his wife, Lynette, who has multiple sclerosis and is taking part in his fifth marathon in London in 2020.

He will go to the award ceremony at the Army & Navy Club, Pall Mall, London, on Tuesday to find out if he will be crowned champion.