Officers from the North East were among those on duty along the route of the Queen's funeral, helping to keep the Royal family and general public safe. 

Thousands of officers from police forces from across the country were called down to give supplemental aid during Operation London Bridge, the largest policing operation that Britain has ever seen, culminating in Queen Elizabeth's state funeral.

Durham Constabulary revealed on social media that around 60 of their officers had been called down to London to give mutual aid to the Metropolitan Police.

In a Tweet, Durham Police said they were "proud to have played our part in policing the funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II."

Read more: Durham and Darlington councils reveal fate of Queen's books of condolences

Sergeant Chris Milburn was told that he would be required to give mutual aid to the Metropolitan Police the day after the Queen died. He served alongside the Met from Friday September 16 until Tuesday September 19. 

He and six other officers were involved in his team from Durham, though there were multiple contingents from Durham Police helping in the effort.

The Northern Echo: A Durham Police van in London. Picture: Durham ConstabularyA Durham Police van in London. Picture: Durham Constabulary (Image: Durham Constabulary)

Sgt Milburn's team told The Northern Echo: "We were a search team, so it was our duty to ensure that there was nothing that could be used to hurt or harm public or dignitaries, nor anything that could distract from the funeral proceedings.

"Our team was searching key sites in the Westminster and Regents Park area.

"So, we were looking for things such as bombs, weapons, or anything suspicious. 

"We did find a weapon in a vehicle, though it wasn't a bomb or a firearm."

For many members of the police force, covering the Queen's funeral has been the biggest event of their careers. 

Sgt Milburn said: "This has been the biggest event I've been involved with - and it has been a privilege and an honour."

Read more: Drama in Shiremoor as one of Northumbria Police's most wanted is arrested

"The Queen has been important for all of us, but most of the time, she has been a figure in the background of our lives. 

"As police officers, we are regarded as 'servants of the crown', charged with keeping the Queen's or King's peace.

"Being able to go and be a small cog in the big machine of the event felt like we were giving back to Queen Elizabeth for her long years of service.

"I have been genuinely impressed by the professionalism of everyone who took part - Durham officers, the Met, the Armed Forces. The experience has been incredibly unifying."

Daniel, Sgt Milburn's 9-year-old son told The Northern Echo: "I missed my dad, but I'm proud of what he did."

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