Two Falmouth police officers have received long service and good conduct awards.

PC Andy Hocking and Inspector Steve Lenney were honoured at a ceremony at China Fleet County Club on Friday, August 16, attended by force’s chief constable and the High Sheriff of Cornwall, James Kitson.

Andy Hocking joined Devon and Cornwall police in March 1993. His first day of probation at Redruth was somewhat marred by having his nose broken during the very first incident he attended. A lesson learned, Andy has never been assaulted on duty since.

Andy was the proud recipient of the Bolitho Staff after being named Cornwall's Police Officer of the Year in 2000 for Cornish policing prowess. He was also part of Falmouth's neighbourhood team that won the Vera Murrin Policing Team trophy in 2004. He also attended a national "Community Heroes" reception at No.10 Downing Street after being nominated by residents on his beat.

Mark Williams, Falmouth Town Council clerk said: “Obviously a police presence on the beat is important. Andy is a 'proper community' officer in the true sense and supports and protects our residents, traders and visitors in the Town Centre. He's always around for traders meetings and knows what is going on and has the ability to talk to and engage with anybody. During the recent police restructurings, one of the observations from the Council was that Andy needed to be retained to the role, not just as police officer but that it had to be Andy.”

Town BID manager Richard Gates also praised PC Hocking’s work. He told the Packet: “The rapport that Andy has developed over the years with residents and businesses alike has really helped Falmouth develop and we should all be proud of his commitment and professionalism including his neighbourhood team.