DURHAM Police Authority members have said their farewells to retiring chief constable George Hedges.

Mr Hedges, 60, has just one more week left of his five-year contract at the head of the force. At his final authority meeting yesterday he was presented with gifts.

He received a framed picture of Durham Cathedral, a pen set and a power drill and his wife Pam was given a bouquet.

Authority chairman Joe Knox said: "The chief has always been highly respected right through the force and the authority has always regarded him as someone we can talk to. We will miss him as a friend and not just a chief constable.''

Mr Hedges said: "It has been a great privilege to have served in Durham and I'm enormously grateful for the support the authority has given me.

"I have been surrounded by superb people and the past nine years have been tremendously enjoyable.''

Mr Hedges, who was previously assistant chief constable for four years, will be succeeded by Paul Garvin, currently deputy chief constable.