Bobby retires after 30 years on the beat

A POLICE officer who has spent almost 30 years working on the beat in Blackburn has retired.

PC Graham Davies, 53, who lives in Darwen, joined the Constabulary on 23 June 1980 working as a foot patrol officer in Darwen before moving to Blackburn in October 1985.

He has spent the majority of his service patrolling the communities of Blackburn, working primarily in the town centre.

Graham has worked on Toxteth riots in 1981 and the Minors Strikes in 1983.

He said: "I saw an advert to join the police in the newspaper on Boxing Day in 1979 and thought id give it a try. I never would have thought I would still be here 30 years later

"One of my most memorable experiences was when I chased a Golf GTI from Blackburn to Bolton town centre in a one litre Metro and caught him!

"I have loved my time working in Blackburn. It's been a challenging but fantastic career and I will be sad to go."

Chief Superintendent Bob Eastwood added: "PC Davies epitomises the local bobby. For the last 30 years he has been a well known and influential police officer working within Blackburn communities. He should be proud of his service. He will be missed by his colleagues and we wish him well for the future."

PC Davies is now planning on enjoying his retirement and is planning to go on adventure holidays, starting with a trip to Everest base camp.