IT'S Friday evening and people all around Malvern are relaxing after a hard day's work. But one man is putting on a uniform and getting ready to go out again . . .

After finishing his day job as a research engineer, special constable Phil Gulliver is getting ready to spend a night working with Malvern Hills Police that could see him dealing with any type of crime.

In the past year, he has faced a man carrying a knife, dealt with car crime, suicide attempts and anti-social behaviour, carried out drug raids and even removed a dead badger from the road.

Phil usually puts in 15 hours a week as a special and doesn't get paid a penny. So what is the appeal of doing a second job for free?

"I wanted to improve my confidence, understand people better and have better communication skills," he said. "It's a brilliant thing to do for your community, although people don't always appreciate it."

Special constables have to work a minimum of four hours a week but Phil, who is married with a two-year-old daughter, usually works a lot more because he enjoys the job so much.

"My family realise I enjoy it immensely and they're very supportive," he said.

His employers are also understanding, as he can work flexible hours and is given a week off a year for his duties.

Phil became a special after spending five weekends, including one residential, training at West Mercia police headquarters at Hindlip Hall.

He also completed a home learning package to find out about different crimes. Specials have to complete a year's minimum probation, during which time they are assessed on key tasks such as arresting someone and taking them to custody.

As a special constable Phil has almost identical powers to any other police officer. The only difference between their uniforms is that specials have only a number on their epaulettes and not their name.

In the future, Phil hopes Specials will be paid for their work, or perhaps get a council tax rebate. He would also like to see more specials join the force.

Jo Digger is a nanny, but she has been a special constable for the past five years. She even met her husband Matt, also a Special, while training.

"I enjoy it because it gets me out," she said. "Being a nanny, you're on your own all the time and you don't meet many other adults."

Malvern Police Station is looking for more special constables. At the moment it has only six, compared to 20 in the 1980s.

"The more bodies we've got out on the streets, the safer people feel," said Phil.

Men and women who volunteer need to be aged 18 and a half to 50, reasonably fit and have basic English skills. Anyone who wants to find out more is invited to an open evening at Malvern Police Station on Thursday (June 2), at 7pm.