A FORMER soldier who nearly died on active service is now back making a difference on the streets as a PCSO.

Mark Ridley is on the beat in Moulsecoomb and Bevendean and said he is proud to be helping and supporting people.

But it may have been so different after he nearly died in a crash while serving in the military.

The crash left him with life-long injuries, and cut short his 12-year military career which took him to Northern Ireland, Germany, Canada, Kenya, Cyprus, and Afghanistan.

Mark, who had joined the army aged 16, said: “Before I joined Sussex police I served in the military for nearly 12 years.

“I was unfortunately medically discharged in 2016 after being involved in a crash that nearly killed me and has left me with life-long injuries.

“After that I did odd jobs, but always had the desire to get back to being in uniform and Sussex police provided me with that opportunity, seeing past my disabilities.

“Becoming a civilian after the accident was a big, big change for me but I am just glad that I now have a new role that my children can be proud of.

“Personally the satisfaction that I gain in helping people and proving to people that you can still achieve good things if you find your ability within a disability is enough for me.”

Mark was first posted to East Brighton, and has earned praise from Neighbourhood Policing Team Sergeant James Ward.

Recently Mark helped during the icy weather and cold conditions, and was also called to a road crash where the driver had left the scene at Brighton Marina.

Sgt Ward said the new PCSO helped at the scene by getting witness statements and joining other officers to manage and direct traffic until the wrecked vehicle could be recovered.

Mark also took a vulnerable young passenger home from the crash, which allowed other officers to focus on their duties.

Then alongside new PCSO Hannah Stevens he helped a vulnerable victim of “romance fraud” who had been swindled out of £1,000.

Mark, who is working out of the Crowhurst Road station in Hollingbury, said: “To be a part of the team, out on the ground in Brighton, assisting vulnerable individuals and supporting communities during the pandemic is something I am so proud of.

“Having already completed two weeks shadowing with our new neighbourhood policing teams, we were keen to get back out there and help at this time."