A prized thoroughbred which has been an “absolute servant” for Thames Valley Police after about a decade working on demonstrations, football matches and marshalling town centre events is set to retire.

The 18-year-old Irish draught cross thoroughbred named Albert, joined the Force in 2005 and is now set to retire to The Horse Trust in Speen, just months after being nominated for a national award.

Albert was just pipped to the post when he was named as a runner-up in the RSPCA and Daily Mirror’s Animal Hero Awards 2014 in November, but he is now set to clear the final hurdle and end his illustrious career.

Over the years he has worked during animal rights marches, English Defence League demonstrations, football matches, music concerts, Royal Ascot events and in city centres across the Thames Valley on Friday and Saturday nights.

Despite missing the award in November, Albert did receive a Chief Constable’s Commendation for his bravery during an EDL march in April 2012.

PC Andy Barkus, of the mounted section, trained Albert for the first 12 months of his career.

He said: “Albert has been an absolute servant – absolutely brilliant. For us to get a horse that has been at that level for 10 years is fantastic.

“The feeling for me is that I am pleased for Albert, rather than missing him being here.

“He has served the public for a decade and now he is getting the chance for a bit of a chill out and holiday – and we can always go and see him at The Horse Trust.”

Albert, who is currently the longest-serving horse in the force, was originally owned by a woman who lived in Westhope Common in Herefordshire.

He was the son of a racehorse and was originally named Westhope Albert.

He has been suffering from stiffness in his joints over the last month, which was exacerbated just before a Christmas lights switch-on in Buckingham – forcing him to miss the event.

Since then Albert has been resting and, although his condition has improved, the TVP vet said the stiffness, because of his age, is likely to get worse.

PC Kev Simmons, of the mounted section, said: “We want to retire him at a point where he can go and enjoy life with The Horse Trust.

“He has done a great job for us and we want to pay him back with a good retirement.”

He added: “I suppose it is a mixture of emotions for me.

“Because you end up going into scary situations with the horses, you do form a bond with all of them. They have all got different characters and you do get attached.

“It is sad that he is going, but also enjoyable knowing that he is going off to retirement and can enjoy life and chill out for the rest of his days.”

A date has not yet been set for Albert’s move, but it is likely to be at the end of February.