After more than 30 years in the police force, an officer will hang up his boots this month but will work with young people in Enfield.

Winning the Outstanding School Governor of the Year this year, Mick Lees, 51, will be keeping his hands full, by carrying out services to the youth of the borough.

Following 28 years in the police service and ten years as an Inspector, Mr Lees is now a governor of Aylward Academy and has made no intention of leaving that position.

He said: “I will continue as the chair of governors at Aylward Academy and intend to spend the next six months completing my PhD study into youth behaviour. I am interested in what young people themselves think works to control the anti-social aspects of youth behaviour.

The former Inspector also revealed the secret into being a governor, he said: “The overriding quality to be a good governor is a desire and a passion to make the life of the young people in your school better. You need to be strong enough to challenge the school principal and other members of the school’s senior leadership team, but be able to do so in a way that is acceptable to them.”

The 51 year-old will certainly be keeping his retired days busy as he will also volunteer one day a week to help manage, with his colleague Sergeant Neil Sandring, the Youth Engagement Panel (YEP).

Mr Lees said: “The YEP was set up to find ways of reducing youth offending and improving support for young people, and it is very successful. Our youth panel meets youth groups in all parts of the borough.”