Bobby retires to become Minister

A POLICE officer, who has worked for Lancashire Constabulary for over 30 years, covering communities in Blackburn and Hyndburn, is about to retire to become a Minister.

PC Mark Bates, 48, from Blackburn, joined Lancashire Police Cadets in 1978. He was posted to Blackburn in 1980 where he has worked in a variety of roles including a response officer in Blackburn, Community Beat Manager in Shadsworth and more recently working as partnerships officer at Hyndburn Borough Council.

Mark, who is married and has two children, has been studying to become a Minister in the United Reformed Church for the last four years. He is currently studying for a BA Honours Degree in Contextual Theology through the Northern Ordination College.

He hopes to be ordained into a pastorate in Summer 2011.

Mark said: "I have really enjoyed my time with Lancashire Constabulary and although I am looking forward to the future, I will be sad to leave the police family."

Chief Superintendent Bob Eastwood added: "The police force can prepare people for a variety of different challenges. I am pleased that Mark will be continuing to help people and wish him all the best in his future career."