A LONG-SERVING Durham Police officer who worked his way up to Chief Inspector has retired after almost three decades with the force.

Chris Knox joined Durham Constabulary on January 18, 1993 and served in various frontline roles in both response and neighbourhood teams, from Bishop Auckland and Crook, to Barnard Castle and Newton Aycliffe.

But it is in Darlington where he says his heart will always lie.

For the past nine years, he has been a familiar and well-respected face in the town, spending four years as a response inspector before joining and leading the neighbourhood team, where he was promoted to Chief Inspector.

Throughout his time in Darlington, Chris has worked hard to build positive working relationships with partner agencies, like Darlington Borough Council, and various community groups within the town.

As a thank you for his hard work and dedication to the town, and to mark his last day in uniform, his council colleagues presented him with an award and certification of commendation.

He said: “It has been an absolute honour and a privilege to work with some fantastic people over the last 28-years.

"Every morning I feel incredibly proud to put my police uniform on, so to do it for the last time today felt very surreal.

“I have loved my time with Durham Constabulary, particularly the last few years working in Darlington.

"My heart is in neighbourhood policing and here in Darlington we have some fantastic people who want to make a real difference in their communities.

"There’s a real problem-solving ethos here and everyone pulls together to get things done.

“Policing is a job like no other, and I will miss the challenges, excitement and camaraderie it brings.

"But I am looking forward to a new chapter of my life and spending some quality time with my wife and grandkids.”