POPULAR police community support officer (PCSO) Gary Lynch is retiring after patrolling the streets of Stroud for over 12 years.

Gary is the police community support officer for Farmhill, Paganhill, Dudbridge, Whiteshill and Cainscross and was key in setting up the Paganhill Community Group.

He will be retiring at the end of next week.

Sergeant Garrett Gloyn, Gary’s current line manager, said: "I have worked with and supervised Police Community Support Officers since the inception of the role in 2004. Gary Lynch is one of the very finest that I have met.

"The dedication and care that he brings to his work is exemplary.

"The communities in Paganhill, Farmhill and Whiteshill are safer places because of Gary.

"He will be such a loss to our team but we all wish him a long and happy retirement."

Gary was recognised for his work for the community when he was named joint winner of The Edna Powell cup at the Stroud Show in 2019.

More to follow.