THERE'S a new caped crusader patrolling a North Dorset town, keeping residents safe from danger.

Brian Marlow loved his job in the police so much that he became a special constable when he semi-retired, having spent 35 years working for the force.

Brian now patrols in his home town of Blandford during the daytime, has another job at night, and many people look up to him because he is 6ft 4in.

Brian, 52, said he only wears his cape when it rains. But he said he enjoyed patrolling and meeting people.

"Blandford needs somebody walking around with a big hat on. I get lots of favourable comments. They are just reassured to see somebody walking about.

"I don't do a great deal, I talk to people. If something were to happen I have the experience to deal with it."

Brian became a special constable in September.

He said it gave the police extra hands, and if there were two police officers on duty, accompanied by two specials, that meant two cars going out rather than one.

He said other people should consider joining the specials, as it was a job that could be carried out by people from all walks of life, and training is given.

"I have not needed the training," he added. Brian joined the police force as a cadet aged 16 because he could leave school as he could not face doing A-levels.

He then became a police constable, before moving to Bermuda in the 1970s to complete three years with the Bermudan police force.

On returning to Dorset in the 1980s he was made a police sergeant.

During his working life in Dorset he has worked in many of the stations including Ferndown, Blandford, Shaftesbury and Wimborne.

He is married to Victoria, who has two children, and he has three children.

To find out more about becoming a special, contact the police on 01202 223683.