A POLICE inspector known as the "Sheriff of Saltburn" is retiring after 34 years.

Insp Dave Sadler joined Yorkshire's North Riding force as a cadet in 1967 and later moved to Saltburn, where he spent half his career.

Insp Sadler, who is married to Anne and has two grown-up daughters, started serving in the area as a constable and rose to the rank of sergeant, in 1979.

After a spell at police headquarters in Middlesbrough, where he worked in the training department and dealt with complaints and discipline, he was promoted to inspector, taking command of most of east Cleveland.

He said: "I know just about everyone over here and everyone knows me. Being involved in the area socially and on various committees means I can keep in close contact with the people of the area, and know their concerns.

"While I will miss the job, I'm hoping to keep active in my retirement and will keep busy with my membership of Saltburn Rotary Club.

"As chairman of Saltburn Football Club, I will be making sure that the under-14s, under-12s and the girls' teams continue in their success."