A POLICE inspector is retiring from the force after completing 30 years' service.

Inspector Dave Walker, 53, joined the then Teesside Police in July 1970, and served in Billingham before being posted to CID at Stockton in 1974.

He was promoted to sergeant in 1981, when he returned to uniformed duties at Stockton. Twelve months later he returned to CID, working at South Bank and North Ormesby before taking over as head of the Stolen Vehicle Squad for three years.

Insp Walker returned to uniform in 1990, when he joined the force Special Operations Squad. He was promoted to inspector in July 1992, and worked in Langbaurgh District.

In 1995, he returned to Stockton, to take over as head of the Community Affairs Department until his retirement.

He received the Police Good Conduct and Long Service Medal in 1993, and was commended by the Chief Constable in 1998, for setting up a scheme in the Stockton area to reduce juvenile crime.

Insp Walker said: "I have thoroughly enjoyed my 30 years' service, and I am proud to have served in the Teesside and Cleveland Police force."