IT WAS a day to remember for Charlie Thomas when he was whisked off in a police car.

The Broadmayne youngster did not need to worry as his family had planned a special treat to mark his eighth birthday.

Charlie, who has cerebral palsy and attends Prince of Wales First School in Dorchester, is a big fan of the police and even has his own uniform.

So a surprise was arranged for him to tour force headquarters at Winfrith.

Arriving in a traffic police car with his mother Lindsey he was shown the helicopter and made friends with some sniffer dogs before being presented with a special certificate by Superintendent Geoff Brazier, divisional commander of Dorset Police's western division.

Mrs Thomas said she was very grateful to Dorset Police for giving Charlie a day to remember.

She said: "The only thing we told him was that he would be meeting some new friends.

"I don't think he realised what was happening at first. He was in disbelief that it was all organised specially for him.

"I have always had admiration for the police but seeing the way the officers interacted and built up a relationship with Charlie so quickly was truly emotional."