One of Britain's bravest and most decorated part-time bobbies was receiving yet another award today.

In 22 years service in Bradford, Special Constable Anthony Hindle, 48, has been shot at, stabbed with a spear, hit with a hammer, and even had an ear ripped off during a police chase.

His impressive list of honours includes no fewer than 15 commendations and certificates of merit, the Queen's Jubilee medal and a long service medal.

Today the Bradford-born businessman was presented with his latest honour for helping to rescue seven children from a blazing building and preventing a gas explosion in the process.

SC Hindle and colleague SC Graham Whitfield were called to the fire at a women's refuge in Bradford in December 1996.

"That particular night will be imprinted on my mind for life," he said.

"When we arrived the front of the building was well and truly ablaze. The flames were 100ft into the air, licking the roof. We kicked down the door. I noticed all the gas taps on the main oven were switched on but not lit. It was an explosion waiting to happen.

"The next thing I remember was being confronted by seven young children in their night clothes.

"They were in a state of sheer panic, screaming for help. They were being showered with embers from the fire. We pulled the kids out of the house and lowered them over a garden wall to safety.

"I went to see them the following day at Bradford Royal Infirmary. That's when the full extent of what I'd done hit home."

Presenting SC Hindle with an Assistant Chief Constable's Certificate of Merit today, Toller Lane Divisional Commander, Superintendent Phil Read, said: "Special Constables put something back into society and ask for nothing in return. They go about their duties without expecting recognition.

"SC Hindle has had a colourful career to say the least. The dedication he has put in to his work has been reflected in the impressive number of commendations he has received over the years."

SC Hindle joined Bradford City Police as a Special Constable in 1969 because he was just half an inch too short to become a regular police officer.

Today he juggles the 25-hour stint a week as an unpaid Special in the Toller Lane police division with his role as a company director in Brighouse.

The last recorded audit reveals that he arrested 298 prisoners during 1997 - most Specials are glad to get into double figures.

"If there's any trouble going off you can guarantee I'll be right in the middle of it," he said.

"I haven't regretted a minute. My driving force is pride. I'm proud of my career, of what I have achieved. I am proud of the city I serve and to call myself a Special."

After joining up he quickly rose through the ranks to become Divisional Commander of Specials at Toller.

His police career includes serving on the Yorkshire Ripper inquiry and several murder cases.

In 1971 he was shot at by a man wanted for the murder of a night-watchman.

Five years later he was involved in a high speed crash during a police pursuit. The force of the impact severed one of his ears.

In 1977 he uncovered a £144,000 fraud when he became suspicious of a woman who wanted to cash a £25 cheque in his former grocery shop in Manningham.

And in 1984 he was stabbed after being called out to a dispute between two men in Manningham.

SC Hindle took a break from his job as Divisional Commander in 1985 because of work commitments, but decided to return in 1993 as a Constable.

"Being on the ground is what I love best and that's where I'll stay. I've got another seven years until retirement and my aim is to do them all." he said.

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