BRAINTREE'S newest voluntary police officer says he will be looking to make positive changes in the community.

Construction site manager Josh Pell fulfilled his dream of joining the police when he was sworn in as a special constable last week.

He received his his warrant card at a specially adapted attestation ceremony having successfully completed his training.

Josh has aspirations to join Essex Police's operational support group, who travel across the county to help detect and disrupt criminals.

But for now, the newly appointed special constable's focus will be on Braintree and supporting the community.

After being sworn in, he said: "I wanted to do more than just go to the gym in my spare time, so I decided to apply to be a volunteer police officer and here I am.

"I’m excited and my family are proud. I really want to help people and that might mean trying to encourage people to get on the right track.

"I hope I can make positive changes through my choices."