Falmouth's new police community support officer, Carl Harris, is settling into his new role and loving every minute of it.

Carl, who lives on the Lizard, has joined the Penwerris and Trescobeas neighbourhood policing team, working alongside beat manager PC Helen Newton and fellow PCSO Becky Bromley. He joined the police after spending several years trying to get into the force and making do with a variety of jobs.

Carl had been in the Royal Navy for 14 years, serving onboard the aircraft carriers Invincible and Ark Royal, and did tours in Iraq, Kosovo and Afghanistan before he left the navy five years ago. "After that I didn't find any job that I loved as much as I love this," he said. "I have been trying to get into Devon and Cornwall Police since I left the navy so I am so pleased that I have now done it.

"It was being part of another uniform service that attracted me and the fact I get the chance to interact with the public and the local community. It's about breaking down the barriers and integrating with all walks of life and my past history in the armed forces has set me up to do that.

"I am passionate about Cornwall and the local community and I get to work with schools and lots of groups and organisations. I absolutely love it here and love this job. There is enough to keep me busy - I'm run off my feet all the time so I certainly don't have time to get bored."

Carl has already been out and about in the Penwerris ward, making himself known to the various community organisations, schools and pre-schools. He has been given special responsibility for Falmouth School where he has already been making friends. "I am there most mornings and the kids are already waving and saying 'hello Carl.' It is just great."