A former publican who was furloughed when the coronavirus pandemic hit has fulfilled his ambition of becoming a police officer.

Scott Walker, who owned a pub in Watford, had wanted to become a cop since he was inspired by a police officer that helped him in an incident more than 20 years ago in central London.

The former pub owner, who was born in South Africa, says life then got in the way and the right time to pursue a policing career didn’t come until 2020.

“I’d come back to the UK from South Africa in 2017 with the intention of applying to be a police officer and knowing I needed to be a permanent resident for three years beforehand,” Scott said.

“Although I was in the pub game when the first Covid lockdown happened, I wasn’t worried about the hospitality industry just yet.

“As I was furloughed, I had the time to apply and now, first week of shifts in, I am loving it and working with a great team.”

Scott was welcomed to Hertfordshire Constabulary by Chief Constable Charlie Hall and has started with the St Albans Safer Neighbourhood Team.

His first week included a mix of policing jobs, from attending a Black History Month function with an Afro-Caribbean community group to dealing with an affray.

He said: “I am an older student officer, not the oldest, but with life experience comes an understanding of people and situations you might find yourself dealing with. And it is very rewarding, I plan on this being my final career.”

“Even in one week the huge variety of work has been amazing and I do feel like I’m finally in a job that puts me in a position to help others and do what I’ve always felt I’m meant to be doing.”