So when he retired at the tender age of 60, U-bolt as he was affectionately known to his colleagues in the force, decided to become a volunteer.

He now drives young people to and from appointments as a volunteer with the Department for Child Protection.

David, who DCP is recognising in the lead up to National Volunteer Week (20-26 May), also ferries older people with the Noarlunga Volunteer Transport Service, and volunteers for a breakfast club at a local primary school.

“I always wanted to volunteer,” the now 64-year-old said. “I want to do it as long as I can. I’m passionate about it.

“I saw there was a vacancy (as a volunteer with DCP), and I applied.

“I’ve been driving for them for three years now.”

Lately, David has been taking a young person in care for driving lessons.

He was offered the role by his DCP volunteer co-ordinator, and has been taking the 17 year old out for two-hour driving sessions once a week for the past few months.

“He’s just a lovely young man,” David said. “Just so polite.

“It turned out I knew him through football umpiring, but didn’t know he was with DCP.

“They asked if I wanted to take him out to get his hours up, and I said absolutely.

“It was something different.”

So, what sort of driver is the teenager?

“He had about 10 lessons with a proper instructor before I started taking him out,” David said.

“I suppose he’s got another six months on his Ls, but he’s very confident.”

And what is it with all the driving?

“I just enjoy driving, and it’s an easy way to volunteer,” David said.

“We use department cars though – it’s mainly Toyotas.

“So it’s nothing elaborate.”

The department will next week host an event to say thank you to its 180 volunteers, at Sunnybrae Function Centre.

More information on volunteering with DCP is available here.