A Police Community Support Officer has retired after a 10 year career.

Rother Neighbourhood Policing Team thanked Tom McAspum for his decade of service and hard work in serving the public in his time with the force.

He first became a PCSO in June 2004 after serving as a police constable for 16 years.

Based in Battle he covered the villages of Etchingham, Hurst Green, Ticehurst, Flimwell and Stonegate.

Tom said: "I have lots of happy memories and I have enjoyed my time with Sussex Police and met a lot of lovely people along the way."

Chief Inspector Warren Franklin, Rother district commander, said: "Tom was greatly appreciated by the residents of his beat areas and was a popular member of Rother district team, being one of the first cohorts of PCSOs. He is a colourful character and his love of a chat and a cup of tea is not only legendary, but also a key role in his warm and successful engagement activity. His traditional style delivered some very useful intelligence and a great understanding of local issues and persons of interest. The Rother team and I would like to thank Tom for his contribution."