The Liverpool-born officer retires next week after serving North Yorkshire for 20 years – 15 of which were spent working in Selby district.

PC Leach (pictured), who celebrates his 53rd birthday this week, joined the force after stints in the armed forces and military police.

He initially went on the beat in York and then Selby, before going on to work for the district’s community safety partnership.

Chief Inspector of North Yorkshire Police Richard Anderson said: “PC Leach has been an integral part of many community safety projects, and really has been a driving force of community safety operations during the past 15 years.

“The dedication he has shown to serving the community in Selby district is admirable, and he will be missed by his colleagues and the local community alike.

“During his time working as a community safety officer, PC Leach has been integral to many community projects and has done a lot of good work in the district.

“This most notably includes working towards the domestic abuse services that exist today, and training agencies to deal with anti- social behaviour.”