A dedicated public servant who has completed a quarter of a century of policing, is leaving the force on a high.

PC Paul Foley, a familiar face to townsfolk, has been crowned the Public Service Hero at Darlington Borough Council's Stronger Communities Awards.

He may well be recognised by many as a neighbourhood officer in Darlington town centre for the past eight years.

The award, made at the recent ceremony at the Dolphin Centre, is recognition for his all-round policing role, which has recently involved him helping to tackle nuisance off-road motorcyclists.

The Northern Echo: PC Paul Foley, left, receives his Public Hero Award at Darlington's Stronger Communities Awards

His nomination said: “PC Paul Foley is soon to end 25 years of exemplary police service almost exclusively dedicated to the residents of Darlington.

“Paul has worked within response command and for the past eight years as the dedicated neighbourhood constable for Darlington town centre.

“Even in his 25th year of police service, he is as dedicated as ever to the residents of Darlington.

“He is the first constable through the door and the last to leave at the end of tour of duty, always giving 100% with the utmost professionalism and enthusiasm.

“Paul has recently worked around Operation Endurance, which is the force’s response to tackling antisocial behaviour of off-road motorcycles.

“With one particular case Paul worked, often in his own time, to tackle the issue head-on, locating and collating evidence to arrest an individual and securing 20 charges at court against the defendant.

“He is also an Army reservist and volunteers with the Royal Military Police.

“Paul has seen active military service in Afghanistan as well as other overseas humanitarian work.

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“Paul is to carry on his work with the Army reserves after his retirement with Durham Constabulary.

“I can hand on heard say Paul’s retirement will be a massive loss to me, my team, Durham Constabulary and the residents of Darlington.”

The nomination added: “Well done PC Foley, we are very proud of you.”