A Honiton police community support officer has received a long service award for 20 years with the Devon and Cornwall force.

Darren England was one of the first 20 PCSOs taken on by the force in January 2003. He was a former pupil of Honiton Community College and had worked as an apprentice mechanic and a baker before joining the police.

During his 20 years as a Honiton PCSO Darren has worked with at least 10 Sergeants and five Sector Inspectors, as well as many different Neighourhood Beat Managers. 

A Devon and Cornwall Police spokesperson said: "Darren is passionate about neighbourhood policing and is known as someone who will go above and beyond to support community engagement opportunities, often leaving the confines of his patch. 

"Recently he acquired sponsorship for a tractor which is covered with police livery. The tractor has been used across Devon at shows, accompanied by Darren, and has proven to be a useful tool for engaging with the farming community. 

"Darren is widely respected by his peers, colleagues, supervisors’ past and present.  He maintains high levels of enthusiasm and professionalism and is a complete role model for anyone who aims to have a long policing career."