A POPULAR PC retired on Friday after 30 years with the county’s police service.

PC Martin Roddy joined Gloucestershire Constabulary in 1980 having begun his working life as a labourer, a salesman and a teacher of history and PE at schools in London and in Kent. Having started his policing career in Stroud he became a well-known face around the county, having worked in several different stations including Stonehouse and King's Stanley, and in the Royal Protection Unit at both Gatcombe and Highgrove.

In 2002 Martin took on the role as staff officer to the then chief constable Dr Timothy Brain, who himself retired at the end of last year. PC Roddy said: “My decision to join the police service was probably the best decision I have ever made.

"Policing has and always will be about people and I have had the privilege of serving with and meeting many wonderful people."

In 2000 he was honoured by HRH the Prince of Wales for charity work and he was both overwhelmed and honoured to be awarded an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List in 2003 for his services to the police.

In his retirement PC Roddy will get more involved with one of his passions, rugby, by coaching rugby league.

He is also hoping to watch more of his other passion, which he does not think his colleagues will believe - ballet.