TRIBUTES have been paid to a loving father who served 35 years in the Special Constabulary trying to make the community safer for his family.

Accrington father-of-two Brian Barnes Wilkinson was described as a true leader and role model by former colleagues.

Mr Wilkinson served the community of Accrington as a Special for 35 years, rising to the rank of Chief Commandant of Lancashire.

Mr Wilkinson's wife Stella described her husband as a true family man who liked helping people.

She said: "When our first daughter Anne was born in 1960, Brian decided that he would look to join the Special Constables.

"He said if he could help make things a bit safer then he would. He just wanted to make sure everything was alright. Everything he did he did it for his family.

"He was so proud to be a special. He loved it. He was very successful in his working life but he always gave 100 per cent when he was in his police uniform.

"He was just a really kind man.

"If anybody needed help or anything like that he would be here for them. I really miss him."

Mr Wilkinson, of Oak Hill Close, joined the Special Constabulary on July 17, 1961, and initially worked in Accrington.

He was promoted to Special Sergeant in 1967 and from 1969 to 1977 served as a divisional officer (Special Inspector).

In 1979 he was promoted to assistant Special Commandant, and spent his final year in the Force as Special Commandant before retiring in 1996.

A distinguished officer, Mr Wilkinson received the Queen's long service medal.

Bernard Spencer, who volunteered alongside Mr Barnes Wilkinson, said: "Brian was a great bloke and a great mate.

"He was a family man and we were comrades in arms.

"He was well respected and a real role model. He was someone to follow."

Mrs Wilkinson said when her husband first joined, Special Constables had to use their own cars and remembers having to remove a police sign from the top of his blue Hillman Super Minx when on 'days off'.

Mr Wilkinson had a successful 'regular' career starting off as an apprentice engineer at Long Bridge Ltd in Accrington.

He also worked at English Electric, Darwen Tool Company and Shorrock Security Systems. He finished his career as a security company.

In his spare time he enjoyed making model aeroplanes and made model boats he would take on the lake with his grandchildren. He was also involved with the church.

Following his retirement Mr Wilkinson was looking forward to travelling with Stella but sadly suffered a stroke on the turn of the millennium which left him in a wheelchair.

Mr Wilkinson died on January 28 at Burnley General Hospital, aged 79.

He leaves behind wife Stella, daughters Jill and Anne, son-in-law David, seven grandchildren and their partners, and three great-grandchildren.

His funeral will take place on Tuesday, February 9 at St Paul’s Church, Mayfield Avenue, in Oswaldtwistle at 10.30am, led by the Reverend John Holland, followed by a cremation at Accrington Crematorium at 11.40am.

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