Essex Police take Stanford-le-Hope 100-year-old on patrol

Gwen Lewis, a Stanford-le-Hope resident, marked her centennial celebration in style, thanks to the VIP treatment from the Thurrock Community Policing Team.

Gwen embarked on a neighbourhood patrol ride accompanied by PC Javier Rodriguez-Perez, PC Neil Brand, PCSO Josephine Ribet and PCSO Reece Bromley.

After keeping an astute eye on potential mischief-makers in the area, Gwen returned to her retirement community where she enjoyed tea and cake with the officers, her fellow residents and staff.

Gwen expressed joy at her birthday adventure with the police.

She said: "The journey was lovely. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

"Thank you so much all of you. You have made it a lovely day for me.

Surprise - Gwen with the team from Thurrock (Image: Essex Police)

"You are like angels to me."

Born in Wales, Gwen spent much of her early life in India where her dad was serving with the Royal Engineers.

She married her late husband, Bob, who was stationed in Dehli with the Parachute Regiment of the British Army before being forced to return to the UK after India’s independence. The couple later had a daughter, Maureen.

Gwen said she wanted to ride in a police car because of fond childhood memories of her piano teacher’s husband.

Dream - Gwen gets emotional as the ride-along is about to start (Image: Essex Police)

He was a police officer and always joked with her about making sure she behaved herself.

PC Javier Rodriguez-Perez, one of the officers who organised the visit, was delighted to make Gwen's wish come true.

He said: "It was amazing to meet Gwen.

"She has had a fascinating life and reaching 100 years of age is an incredible achievement.

Thankful - Gwen chats to PC Neil Brand (Image: Essex Police)

"When we told her we were there to take her for a drive, she was very surprised and got quite emotional. She held onto my hand and wiped away a tear. It was a beautiful moment.

"She really enjoyed the trip out – she was smiling and laughing, and I couldn’t believe how cheeky she was.

"When we got back and had photographs by the car, she asked if she was going to be our new pin-up.

Behave - Gwen lays down the law (Image: Essex Police)

"As a team, we love getting out and meeting people in the community.

"We want to show everyone that we’re more than a uniform, we are there to listen and to help, and we like to put smiles on faces whenever we can.”