A FORMER Halton bobby has struck oil after being made a security big wig at a major US energy firm.

Mike Benson served as a police constable in Runcorn until 1988 but is now vice-president of security at the Apache Corporation, in Houston.

He said: "My career has taken an interesting turn, going from a bobby on the beat to an executive officer of a £6.5 billion international company!"

Det Con Bob Baker worked with 'Micky' Benson and he said: "He was a nice lad, he's done well for himself. He always had the gift of the gab.

"He visited four to five years ago and he was still the same bloke, even if he is a big city slicker."

Mike Benson joined Cheshire Constabulary in 1974 and helped set up Home Watch schemes and organise sports tournaments for youngsters.

He served in Runcorn for 14 years and is now a member of the International Association for Counter Terrorism and Security Professionals.

"Since I left Runcorn I've visited more than 50 countries, advising on security and participated in operations to rescue kidnap victims," explained Mike, who has rescued company employees held hostage in Africa, Asia and Latin America.

Apache Corporation is one of America's largest independent oil and petrol exploration companies and recently bought BP's stake in a major North Sea oil field.

Mike now feels American football is okay but that it's "not as good as watching Widnes play rugby.

"I've taken to the Texan lifestyle, eating very large steaks and finding that cowboy boots are very comfortable," he added.

"Saying that, you can take the bobby out of Runcorn, but you can't take Runcorn out of the bobby!"

Pictured: Former Runcorn PC, Michael Benson, is now a top security guru in America.