A dedicated special constable was described as a "credit to the Met" at an awards ceremony commemorating his 49 years of voluntary service.

Robert Harrild, was presented with a fourth bar to his long service medal by Helen King, assistant commissioner for the force, after completing around 10,000 hours of service in Harrow.

The 68-year-old is also part of the Volunteer Emergency Service and delivered bottles of blood by motorbike from Edgware Blood Bank to Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital.

Ms King, of territorial policing, said: "Rob has been awarded his fourth bar to the long service medal, joining a small group of colleagues throughout the country.

"His dedication, professionalism and positive attitude throughout his career is a testament to his exemplary service. He is a credit to Harrow Borough."

Mr Harrild was praised for going above and beyond in his volunteering, and in particular it was noted that after undergoing a triple heart bypass surgery in June 2010 he was back on duty in August that year.

His career in the Metropolitan Special Constabulary (MSC) began on January 27, 1967, and he was enrolled at New Scotland Yard.

He worked as a special constable, a position where volunteers work with police officers to bring skills and experiences from a day job to help them in the force.

Mr Harrild worked during the Grosvenor Square anti-war demonstration riots in 1968 and has also represented the MSC in small bore rifle competitions.

In 2001 and again in 2002 he was a recipient of the Harrow Borough Award for his outstanding contribution to the community in the borough of Harrow.

In 2010 Mr Harrild was also presented with the Harrow Borough Commander's Award for his long service as a committed officer of the MSC for Harrow.

He also supported colleagues during the 2012 Olympic Games held in London and at one point he was chosen to guard the Olympic Flame.

His 49 years of service was marked in January this year and earlier this month the Met commissioner, Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe, thanked him in person for serving the people of Harrow and London.