A long-serving public servant in Brandon has retired.A surprise party was held last week for Safer Neighbourhood Team member Allan Davey, who has worked for Suffolk Police for nearly 30 years.

A long-serving public servant in Brandon has retired.

A surprise party was held last week for Safer Neighbourhood Team member Allan Davey, who has worked for Suffolk Police for nearly 30 years.

Mr Davey was a member of the Special Constabulary for 23 years, attaining the rank of area officer and was awarded the long service medal. He then became a traffic warden, working in Mildenhall and Brandon, before returning to the police in March 2005, when he became one the first police community support officers in Suffolk.

Police chiefs paid tribute to Mr Davey at the party, held at the Church Institute in Brandon on Wednesday night.

Special commandant Martin Ashburn said: “Allan's service with the Special Constabulary demonstrates his commitment and dedication to helping to improve the quality of life for all members of the community. The work Allan carried out as a special was recognised by his regular colleagues as a significant help in providing a police presence around the Brandon and Mildenhall area.”

Sgt Jo Garrard from the Brandon Safer Neighbourhood Team, added: “Allan is skilled in talking to all sections of the community.”

As a PCSO and a resident of Brandon, Allan was particularly good at providing reassurance to elderly victims of crime. He would make regular visits to lone elderly residents who had been subjected to burglary and other crimes, keeping in regular contact and checking on their welfare.”