A SPECIAL police constable who served Chipping Sodbury has sadly passed away at the age of 67.

Retired Special Constable John Wood lost his battle with cancer on Monday, April 3.

In a tweet on the Avon and Somerset Police Special Constables twitter account, John’s former colleagues paid tribute to him.

The account @ASPSpecials wrote: “It is with sadness that I inform you of the death of retired S/Insp John Wood (67).

“For 46 years John served his community and was honoured by the Queen for his services to the community.

“John lost his battle with cancer on the 3rd of April and will be missed. #RIP.”

People on social media have since recalled their fond memories of John.

Twitter user Nick Barbour (@barrscourt1) wrote: “Many a shift worked with John. What a gentleman.”

Another tweeter going by the name Macey (@WMacey78) wrote: “A top bloke! Met him once at the old staplehill bar and chatted for a few hours. Always friendly and interesting person.”

During his time volunteering as a special constable, John was commended for his community service. Back in 2011, he won Special of the Year in the Avon and Somerset Constabulary’s community policing awards.

A special constable is a trained volunteer who works with and supports their local police, forming a vital link between the force and the community.

John, who was 5ft 7ins, joined Avon and Somerset's special constable team in Bridgwater in 1970, because the regular force had a 5ft 8ins height restriction on police officers.

In an interview with the Gazette in 2009, John said that he felt “very valued” for his work as a special. He said: "I really enjoy it. I feel part of a team and we are making a valuable contribution to the community."

John also worked as a field engineer for the Royal Mail before his retirement.

Our thoughts are with his family at this sad time.