A FIVE-YEAR-OLD budding police officer who spent his Christmas handing out sweets to members of the emergency services has been thanked by Manchester Police.
Lewis Anderson from Beswick, East Manchester, has received a 'Certificate of Recognition' plaque to say thank you for his "fantastic gesture over Christmas".
On Christmas Day, Lewis and his parents visited emergency services stations armed with a box of chocolates – he spent the day giving them to everyone he saw.
To say thank you, Sergeant Lee Westhead of Greater Manchester Police surprised Lewis with a visit to Gorton Police Station to experience a day in the life of a police officer.
Sergeant Westhead: "When I read about Lewis' fantastic gesture over Christmas, I thought it only right that we do something nice for him and his family.
"Not many five-year-olds would choose to spend their Christmas Day visiting the emergency services to thank them and give out chocolates."
During the day (January 10), Lewis visited the Serious Collision Unit, the Mounted Branch, Dog Unit and the police air field at Barton.
At the end of the day he was presented with the 'Certificate of Recognition' and plaque by officers to say "a huge GMP thank you".
Paul Anderson, Lewis' dad, said: "We would like to thank Lee, Louise and everyone at GMP for an amazing day.
"Lewis has had a love of the police for as long as I can remember, and after the visit I'm sure that love will grow.
"His highlight of the day was certainly seeing the police motorbikes, followed closely by the horses. He's also fallen in love with Aayla the puppy at the Dog Unit.
"Lewis got to spend time with some of his heroes – the men and woman of GMP.
"He is our special hero for all that he does and as parents to see him be given this opportunity is so rewarding."
