A POLICE officer has been honoured as an extra-special ‘Special’.

Special Constable Jerome Slater, from Accrington, beat stiff competition to be named Lancashire Constabulary’s Student Officer of the Year.

The 23-year-old was commended for his attitude during his training and was described as an “excellent team player”.

Jerome, a full-time channel account manager, said: “I joined the Specials because I have a long-term ambition to one day become a regular officer.

“Being a police officer has always been an ambition because my father was a police officer for almost 30 years.

“I currently work as a Special Constable in Rossendale and I absolutely love it.”

The award is given annually to the officer who, during their training weekends, has demonstrated a true appreciation of the role of the Special Constable.