Teesside'S longest serving policeman has called it a day.

Superintendent Peter Dale, 55, has seen the introduction of police radios and Panda cars in his 38 years with Cleveland Police.

But one change he is relieved not to have seen before leaving the force, is the arming of police officers.

"I was once in charge of the firearm squad and have been in a lot of armed raids,'' said Supt Dale.

"It is psychological, you have to be prepared in your mind to pull the trigger. That's the state of mind.

"I must have managed dozens and dozens of firearm incidents over the years.

"I am pleased we are not armed. I think there would be a tremendous number of incidents and accidents.

"I actually think if we were to arm all police, a lot of people would leave.''

His son, Andrew, has followed in his footsteps and also works for Cleveland Police.

Supt Dale started as a police cadet with North Riding constabulary in October 1961, then transferred to Teesside.

He still remembers a crowd of opened-mouthed onlookers gathering round him when he used a police personal radio for the first time, outside the Oddfellows pub on Thornaby Road in the 1960s.

He had mixed views on the introduction of Panda cars in 1968.

"It is the same today, we got a lot of police officers who did not have the experience of talking to the public the way they should. It's not their fault, they are dashing from job to job."

But he said a police officer's job to serve the public has not changed.

"It's the friendship, companionship and colleagues that I will miss,'' said Supt Dale.

He is looking forward to polishing up his woodwork skills in retirement.