A LONG-SERVING police officer, who has served his community for more than 30 years, has retired.

Inspector Chris Charlton, head of strategic roads policing at North Yorkshire Police, hung up his helmet for the final time yesterday.

Mr Charlton, who spent 24 of his 32 years in the force in roads policing, joined as a cadet in 1972, based in Northallerton.

He became a constable in May 1978 and was posted to Scarborough, and served in a number of departments, including traffic, CID and the control room, before becoming a sergeant.

Mr Charlton was promoted to his most recent role in January 2004, and was a founding member of the 95 Alive road safety partnership in the county.

He said: "I am a local lad, from the Kirkbymoorside area, and have thoroughly enjoyed serving my own community.

"I will undoubtedly miss my colleagues, some of who I have worked with for many years, but am looking forward to having more time to spend with my family.

"I will still keep links with policing and will continue to hold positions with the International Police Association.

"I am very happy to be handing over our current safety campaign, Operation Anvil, with the knowledge that it is having a significant affect on driver behaviour."

Chief Superintendent Sue Cross said: "Chris is the consummate professional and has made a real contribution to policing.

"It has been a pleasure working with Chris, and I wish him and his family well as he starts his retirement."