A New Malden mum who volunteered for Kingston police for five years says dusting takes second place to helping others.

Lindsey Martin, of Thetford Road, volunteered up to 60 hours a month as a borough press officer helping to answer queries and informing the public about crime and the force’s work.

But now Kingston’s press office has closed and been centralised, Mrs Martin is set to move on.

She said: “Leaving Kingston police is a wrench as I thoroughly enjoyed dealing with such committed, talented and dedicated people doing a tough, but rewarding job.

“It gave a real sense of pleasure to see the force’s achievements and breakthroughs highlighted in the media in a deservedly positive way.

“And, when we did not get it quite right, we also received and dealt with the brickbats and hopefully learned a lesson from it.

“I will never be a domestic goddess and dusting will always take second place to volunteering.

"I lead a thoroughly rewarding life doing, I hope, some good. I would not change a thing."

Mrs Martin has been a volunteer with the police for 12 years and originally got involved when she volunteered at the front counter of New Malden police station when it opened in 2001.

The team that volunteered there were recognised in 2006 with the Queen’s Millennium Award for voluntary work in the community.

Mrs Martin said: “I count myself lucky that Kingston police had the foresight to use the local volunteer talent pool in maintaining basic front counter services.

“I would urge anyone who can give a little time to others to consider volunteering.”

The mother-of-three who enjoys pilates and singing said she had been particularly struck by the work carried out in helping victims of domestic violence in the borough.

Mrs Martin will now continue working some hours at the police front counter in New Malden and is also hoping to volunteer with a missing persons’ charity.

Mrs Martin previously volunteered for Unicef and with political pressure groups and political strategy study groups.

She has also worked in the financial industry and as a translator.

l Do you know an unsung hero? Call the newsdesk on 020 8744 4273 or email jon.sharman@london.

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