ONE of a police force's longest-serving members of staff has retired after 46 years of service.

David Atkinson, from Darlington, joined Durham Police as a cadet in Sedgefield in 1968.

He was part of a 150-strong cadet team that took part in a three year introduction to the world of policing, which included on-the-job training alongside education – similar to a modern-day apprenticeship.

Mr Atkinson, now 62, operated as a police constable based in Darlington for 31 years, taking on a number of different roles including ten years as a response officer.

After retiring from his role as a PC, he then re-joined the force in a civilian position, where he has most recently worked as a data quality clerk.

Mr Atkinson said: “I’ve seen many changes in the way that a police force operates over the time I’ve been with Durham Constabulary.

"When I started my career we stored information on index cards; with the introduction of computers and other pieces of technology it’s fair to say a modern-day police force is unrecognisable from the one that I started in.

“It seems like a good time to move on; as our old headquarters building which was just being finished when I began my career is ready to take its retirement too.

“I’m looking forward to spending time with my wife, who retired with over 30 years’ service from a civilian role in the force back in 2010, and with my four grandchildren.”

Chief Constable Mike Barton said: “In the modern world it’s a rarity for someone to dedicate their entire career to one organisation. It makes me extremely proud that we have members of our team who have done this, like David."