Police skid pan ace hangs up his car keys

A specialist police driving instructor, who once demonstrated his skills to a pregnant Princess of Wales, is retiring after 50 years with his force.

By The Newsroom

Published 1st Oct 2010, 22:34 BST

Arthur Shelley, 66, joined the Metropolitan Police at 16 and spent 13 years on the beat as a policeman before becoming a trainer in advanced vehicle handling in 1976.

As an expert instructor based at the Met's skid pan in Hendon, north London, he has taught thousands of officers how to keep control of sliding cars.

He also passed on his expertise to royals and celebrities including Prince Harry, the Duke of York, Sir Jimmy Savile and stars of TV drama The Bill.

Mr Shelley even put on a special driving demonstration for Diana, who was expecting Prince William at the time, stopping his car right at her feet.

The instructor, who is one of the Met's longest-serving employees, said: "I am extremely lucky that I've been paid to do a job I love for 50 years."

Police Wales