LEONARD Stanley police officer Pete Seville, who has served with Gloucestershire Constabulary for more than 30 years has retired.

Having served in a variety of roles since transferring to the force in 1974, Pete, 64, who originally joined what was then known as Somerset Constabulary in 1964, left on November 30.

In a presentation to mark his retirement, Chief Constable Dr Timothy Brain paid tribute to Pete's exceptional contribution to the development of the Constabulary, and presented a number of gifts on behalf of his many friends and colleagues.

“Peter has made a tremendous contribution to policing during his 45 years of service, and in particular to Gloucestershire over the last 34 years,” said Dr Brain.

“According to our calculations, he has overseen the recruitment of a total of 1,196 police staff members and the training of 976 police officers.

"The number of friends and colleagues that are here today shows how much everyone has enjoyed working with him and the impact he has made within the force.

"We thank him for the exemplary service he has given to the people of Gloucestershire and the South West and wish him a fulfilling and lengthy retirement."

Among the roles Pete took on during his service include roads policing, and several general patrol postings at Gloucester, Stow on the Wold and Cirencester.

Later he achieved the rank of Chief Inspector before retiring as an officer in 1998 and immediately taking up a new post as the career development manager.

Tributes included messages from two former Deputy Chief Constables, Martin Baker and Craig Mackey, who are now Chief Constables in Dorset and Cumbria respectively.

Mr Seville said: "It has been a wonderful experience working for the Constabulary. My time as part of the police family was very special to me and I will miss everyone I have worked with."