TWO of the area's longest serving police officers have been rewarded for 22 years' dedicated service to the community.

Devon and Cornwall's chief constable Sir John Evans presented Callington PC Simon Dell, Tavistock's former community constable, and Okehampton's PC Nigel Fiddock with their long service and good conduct medals in a ceremony at police headquarters in Exeter.

PC Dell said it was wonderful to go to headquarters with his family.

'The last time my father was up there was to drop me off — I was just 16 joining up as a cadet — and the next time was when I was picking up the long service medal nearly 25 years later.

'I don't know where almost a quarter of a century has gone — it's flown by, but I'd do it all again. It's the only thing I ever wanted to do and although it's not the job I joined, I still enjoy it.'

When PC Dell first joined there were still blue police telephone boxes on street corners. Now there are advanced communication systems, DNA testing and helicopters.

'We've got to move with the times,' he said, though both PCs Dell and Fiddock still sport the traditional helmet and tunic, in an age of the flat caps, fluoro jackets and stab-proof vests.

'There's still a few of us old dinosaurs,' said PC Dell, still committed to the old values of policing.

He has only seven more years to go in the police.

'I'm a bit sad really that will just fly by,' he said.

PC Fiddock has been with Okehampton Police for the past eight years and since 1996 has had responsibility for the Germansweek, Bratton Clovelly and Beaworthy areas.

The officer said it was 'really nice' that his experience was recognised.

'I still enjoy the job as much as I used to — at the end of the day if I can help someone or give them a bit of understanding then I feel I have done a good job.'

PC Fiddock has always been happy to stay a PC and not climb the ranks.

'As far as I am concerned there are chiefs and there are indians and I'm quite happy to be an indian,' he said. 'I enjoy front-line policing.'

The biggest change he had seen over the years was the advance in technology.

Communications were much better but because of this people's expectations were much higher, he said.

'With the advent of radios and telephones people pick up the telephone and expect to see a policeman as soon as possible,' he added. 'There are not always enough policeman to cover all the calls.'