Most people would run a mile if they were asked to volunteer for six months' duty in Iraq.

But Chief Superintendent Phil Read recognised the challenge and as a result has today been told he will receive an OBE for his efforts.

The former commander of Bradford North police division had a mission to help create a new British-style police force as the country prepares for a new democratic regime.

The 46-year-old, said: "By the time I left Basra things were very much upbeat, people were getting on with their lives. All the Iraqis want is what we want - to be safe, have a job and a roof over their head. They also wanted a British-style police force because we are recognised worldwide as the best."

He worked with top Government officials as well as the communities on the street and is proud of the foundations he helped to lay for the country. And now that work has been recognised as the former Belle Vue Boys pupil will be among 50 civilians honoured by the Government for their re-building work.

They range from senior diplomats to police officers, a prison governor and engineers involved in restoring water and power supplies.

Chief Supt Read, 46, now head of the force Community Safety department in Wakefield, said he was "absolutely delighted" with the honour. And he praised the support from his wife Joan who he knew had some anxieties about his new role.

He said: "She supported me 100 per cent through a difficult time. But she knew it was something I wanted to do and let me get on with it and for that I am very grateful."

He has the highest regard for the Iraqis who sign up to join the police when they are a regular target for the insurgents. He said: "They want to join the police, where others want to work in schools and the medical services." After April the temperatures never dropped below 100F and were known to top the 140F mark. This led him to miss the Yorkshire weather and - surrounded by desert - the Yorkshire countryside.

He added: "We take a lot for granted. I missed Ilkley Moor and Otley Chevin because there was so much desert out there. I also missed cold water because in the heat out there the tap water was always warm."

Chief Supt Read who has also worked in Colombia, India and Pakistan, admitted to times when he wondered why he was there as bombs and guns went off close by. But he brought back many happy memories. He said: "By the time I left people were having extensions built on their homes, getting married and doing the normal things. After all that is all the Iraqis want. And we are helping them achieve their aspirations."