SPECIAL constable and all-round community stalwart Simon Bale has been congratulated by his chief constable after being made an MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours list.

Simon, 41, works as a supervisor in the force's control room but spends his free time pounding the beat on a voluntary basis.

He is also a member of the HM Coastguard rescue team based in Watchet and helps to run the town's successful sea scout troop.

Simon said he was both proud and honoured to receive an MBE for his work but said the award was as much for his family as it was for him.

He said: "It is with pride and a sense of achievement that I receive this honour but it also reflects the professionalism and commitment of many people both past and present who have supported me within the police control room and out on the street patrolling in the Williton and Minehead area over the past 22 years.

"As well as others, I volunteer with in the Watchet Coastguard team and the leaders and members of the 1st Watchet Sea Scout Group.

"But I am mainly indebted to my wife Katrina and our two children - Amelia and Thomas - and other family members who support and understand my role within the community and have got used to me being away from the home, out on duty, helping others.

"This honour is a recognition to them of that support I have received and continue to do so."

Simon joined the special constabulary more than 20 years ago at the age of 19, working primarily out of Williton and Minehead – the area where he was was born and grew up.

He was already a member of the coastguard rescue team and now volunteers as an adult leader with the sea scouts and as a principal for the Somerset Scouts Sailing Centre, instructing powerboating and dinghy sailing to scouting members.

During his role as a special constable he has supported local policing operations including Watchet Carnival and the annual Dunster by Candlelight weekend.

In 2009 he received Avon and Somerset Constabulary's Special Constable of the Year award and has a good conduct service medal for more than two decades' service with the special constabulary.

He is the only special in the West Somerset policing district to be a fully trained response and pursuit-trained driver.

His citation reads: "He is a true inspiration to others and particularly a champion for the local community.

"He daily makes a massive contribution to the quality of life for residents and visitors alike, several of whom owe their lives directly to his selfless efforts of service to the people of Somerset."

Avon and Somerset Constabulary's chief constable Nick Gargan

Chief Constable Nick Gargan said the entire force was extremely proud of Simon's achievements and described him as "a worthy recipient" of the award.

"Simon's efforts for the special constabulary, the sea scouts and for the Watchet Coastguard team would each, individually, be worthy of a high level of recognition.

"The fact that he has managed all three is an extraordinary achievement.

"His service to the community is an example to us all," Mr Gargan said.

Photo: Steve Guscott