Ashby neighbourhood officer PC Mark Arjoo is set to retire next month after 30 years with the force.

He joined at just 19 years of age and will retire his badge on February 15.

PC Arjoo has spent the last 17 years of his policing life as a beat officer in Ashby and the surrounding area, working as part of North West Leicestershire's Neighbourhood Policing Team, and says he will miss the community he has served very much.

He said: "I always wanted to be a community 'Bobby' – it's where my heart has always been.

"I've thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the people in my area, gaining their trust and helping to solve problems but I felt now was the right time to retire."

He added that he was looking forward to more walks in the Peak District and watching cricket.

A spokesperson for Leicestershire Police said: "A huge thank you to PC Arjoo for his service and we wish him all the best for the future."