A PENSIONER who decided to volunteer for the police in his 80s has been given a special award to mark a decade of service.

Frank Steiner, 92, spent 10 years volunteering for his local police in Deddington, near Banbury, working across the county to help the force improve its services.

On Monday he was praised by Sara Thornton in one of her final acts as Thames Valley Police’s Chief Constable.

He was given a Long Service Award at the Chief Constable’s Award ceremony at Eynsham Hall, near Witney, but could not attend because of ill health.

Mr Steiner, a widower for 25 years, said: “I had just stopped doing volunteer work in London because I didn’t want to commute any more and I thought I would do something locally.

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“I had time on my hands. I’ve always wanted to do things that are tricky. I like a challenge.

“There was an appeal for volunteers in and around Deddington and I put my name forward.”

Despite having no contact with the police during his career as a civil servant, an oil industry market researcher and with a London management agency, the father-of-two became a valued member of the volunteer team.

As well as working on the front counter at Deddington police office, he worked at the force’s Kidlington headquarters.

He said: “My core assignment was to vet the local media, the local papers and websites, for references to the force. I was also a mystery shopper for the police.”

He would interact with staff at police stations across the county, posing as a member of the public, and report to HQ about the quality of service he received.

Asked what he enjoyed about the work, he said: “It was the very idea of doing something, of not being a completely idle old-aged pensioner.

“Most people don’t start on a brand new subject of work when they are over 80. The fact I was doing something which the police force considered useful was very satisfactory.”

The grandfather-of-six said of his award: “It flatters my vanity. I am slightly amused that somebody in their early 90s is still considered worth honouring.”

He said his plans for the future were “to relax.” and added: “At the age of 92 I may be now be allowed to take my badge off.”

This is not the first time Mr Steiner’s police work has been recognised.

In September 2012 Ms Thornton hosted a tea party for him and two other elderly police volunteers to celebrate their efforts.

Yesterday was her last day at Thames Valley Police, as she leaves for a new role as head of the National Police Chiefs’ Council, to be replaced by her former deputy, Francis Habgood.

Ms Thornton said: “Today was about celebrating the achievements of officers, staff and volunteers.

“We celebrated dedicated and committed service, bravery, outstanding professionalism, courage and determination.

“Each and every person celebrated today has every reason to be proud.

She added: “This is my last commendation ceremony, so I am particularly proud to say congratulations for the last time.”