BY day he is the boss of thousands of York workers. But at night he dons a new guise to take on lawbreakers and troublemakers in his home town.

He does not get any pay for his uniformed work, but Nestl Rowntree managing director Chris White has declared war on thieves, vandals and violent drunks after going out on patrol to see the work the boys in blue do.

For the man in charge of about 3,000 York confectionery workers has become one of the newest special constables with North Yorkshire Police.

Mr White took on the unpaid role as a personal challenge and to put something back into the community.

He has now completed the rigorous 13-week training programme, and will pound the streets of Harrogate on busy Friday nights.

Police chiefs recently launched a recruitment drive to increase the number of special constables from more than 170 to 300 by the end of March, 2006.

Mr White, who lives in Harrogate with his wife and two children, said he was inspired to take on the role after being invited out with a police patrol.

"It was great to see them in action first hand," he said.

"I think many of their team management techniques have applications in business.

"I also wanted a low profile way of putting something back into the community.

"It's really interesting and a total contrast to what I do, because I'm basically the office junior.

"I thought I might find it hard taking orders, but it has been good fun."

He said his hectic schedule only allowed him to patrol the streets of Harrogate on Friday nights.

"I can't be a special constable in York for obvious reasons," he said. It's a really exciting challenge."

Special constables are unpaid, but can claim travel expenses. Mr White said: "I think it's important that people in business leadership roles do things that give back to the community."

North Yorkshire's Chief Constable, Della Cannings, said: "Chris is a fine example of the wide range of people we attract to the role of special constable.

"We welcome and encourage recruits from all walks of life. It's an opportunity for people to make a positive contribution to their community."

Updated: 09:54 Monday, October 17, 2005