A TAVISTOCK Special Constabulary Inspector has been presented with the Lifetime in Policing Award.

Simon Dell was presented with the award by the High Sheriff of Cornwall Charles Williams, along with Shaun Sawyer the Chief Constable of Devon and Cornwall Police.

Mr Dell served for 16 years as the community constable in Tavistock, being awarded the MBE for his services to policing in 1997 and is now a member of the volunteer Special Constabulary in West Devon.

The award was nominated by his senior officers for almost 40 years dedicated service in the police since 1975 when he joined, and has spent his whole service in uniform within the communities throughout Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, but mainly working in the Tavistock and Dartmoor stations.

Inspector Brent Davison, Mr Dell's former supervisor at Police Headquarters, said: 'This award is not just for time served, it represents an acknowledgement and celebration of commitment and dedication to the police service, during which time Simon has received numerous awards and accolades for outstanding work, making him one of the country's highest decorated police officers and one of the longest serving members of the Devon and Cornwall Police.'

Mr Dell said: 'I'm really honoured to receive such an award for something that has been such a major part of my life for almost 40 years.

'To be able to use those decades of experience in policing to help train a new generation of police officers is a real privilege.'

Mr Dell attended the award ceremony in October at the China Fleet Club, Saltash, along with his wife Shirley.