A PAINTING of a former Chief Constable whose military service during the Second World War was mentioned in despatches has been withdrawn from an auction sale by North Yorkshire Police.

The painting of James Robert Archer-Burton was one of hundreds of medals, trophies and other artefacts from North Yorkshire Police’s former headquarters which were originally set to go under the hammer.

A planned auction was called off in November after concerns were raised, but the sale is now back on at the end of January.

The move to withdraw the painting comes after a retired Chief Inspector, Robert Blatchford protested at the planned sale of the painting of Lt Colonel James Robert Archer-Burton.

Mr Blatchford said the painting should instead be donated to the Imperial War Museum or take pride of place would be at the new North Yorkshire Police headquarters in Northallerton.

A spokesman for the force said it was too early to say where the painting would be displayed.