ONE of the region's most senior police officers cycled off into retirement yesterday after 37 years.

Durham Chief Constable Paul Garvin left constabulary headquarters, in Durham City, for the last time after running the force for the past three years.

"It feels funny," he said as he completed his last shift. "I have really mixed feelings. Policing has been a great job and I have a lump in my throat today."

The Gateshead-born officer began his career on the beat in Teesside in 1968 and rose to become head of Hartlepool CID and area commander for the town.

In 1997, he was appointed assistant chief constable for West Yorkshire, before moving to Durham as deputy chief constable in 2000. He was promoted to the force's top job in 2002.

The 56-year-old has taken a stand against speed cameras during his time at Durham and has recently argued for the proposed merger of the force with neighbours Northumbria and Cleveland, a merger that could mean he was the last permanent chief constable of the force. The controversial merger has meant Mr Garvin has had little time to wind down.

Colleagues bought him a mountain bike as his leaving present.

He said: "It has been absolute bedlam this week. I have been busy right to the end, but I will have a leisurely breakfast on Monday morning.

"I will be spending my time on my mountain bike, spending more time with the family and getting the balance of life right."