BEDALE'S popular police sergeant has announced plans to move on to new pastures.

Stuart Grainger, who has been based at the town's police office for the past two years, will take up a position in Leyburn in the new year.

Speaking at a meeting of Bedale town council last night, Sgt Grainger said he had enjoyed his time in the town and expressed his sadness at leaving.

He said: "I would like to thank the town council for its support for me and my team, which has been second to none.

"In future, perhaps somebody with fresh eyes could deploy the resources the we have got in a different way, with different results."

Inspector Nigel Slater, of North Yorkshire Police, who was also present at the meeting, assured councillors that Sgt Grainger would not be taking up his new post until a replacement was appointed.

Councillors have expressed concerns over the level of the town’s police coverage in the past.

Sgt Grainger said he hoped to be able to introduce the town’s incoming police sergeant at next month’s town council meeting.

Councillor Wanda Reynolds, mayor of Bedale, thanked Sgt Grainger for his hard work and wished him well for the future.

* A new police community support officer, Mark Cobb, has been appointed to Bedale police office.

Mr Cobb is one of the force’s recent intake of PCSOs and is expected to take up his post after a period of training with fellow new recruits.

His appointment will bring the number of PCSOs in Bedale police office to three.