A Rickmansworth PCSO (Police Community Support Officer) has bid farewell to the area after eight years.

PCSO Dave Twigg, a member of the Rickmansworth safer neighbourhood team, covered the Mill End and Maple Cross areas since joining the force in 2004.

PCSO Twigg, known to colleagues as ‘Twiggy’ left the team last week to move to the north of England.

He said: "I have thoroughly enjoyed my eight and a half years as a PCSO based with the Rickmansworth Safer Neighbourhood Team.

"As one of the local officers for the Mill End and Maple Cross areas, I have been extremely proud, not only to have served the local community, but also of the work that I and the rest of the team have carried out throughout these years to try and help make the area a safer place to live in.

"I am sad to be leaving but I will be taking many happy memories with me and I would like to take this opportunity to thank not only all of my work colleagues but also the many residents I have come to know over those years."

During his time in Rickmansworth, PCSO Twigg helped to start up Safe Start, a scheme to help vulnerable people recognise a place of safety whilst out in town centres.

He also assisted in the mass reduction of crime at the BP garage in Mill End and assisted with the training of new PCSO recruits.

Colleague PC Christian Gottman said: "Dave is known by all, young and old, and goes by the nickname ‘Twiggy’. He is highly thought of amongst his colleagues.

"He’s very proactive and would assist police officers in any way possible, sometimes agreeing to change his shift at short notice. Crime has reduced in the Mill End area and Twiggy has a large part to play in that."