A DECORATED Ribble Valley police officer is set to walk the beat for the final time tomorrow after more than 20 years.

PC Alison Hargreaves has been based at Clitheroe Police Station for 12 years after stints in Darwen and Blackburn.

The 44-year-old, who is leaving the service on health grounds, said that she was ‘gutted’ to leave the job which had been a childhood dream.

PC Hargreaves, who attended Clitheroe Royal Grammar School, joined Lancashire Constabulary in January 1994 after working at Althams Travel.

Working mainly as an instant response officer, she also was involved in the planning operation for the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay through Lancashire ahead of the games.

Since March, PC Hargreaves has served as the community beat manager for Whalley, Mellor and Clayton-le-Dale.

In September she was awarded the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal.

Alison said: “I always wanted to join the police since I was very young. I have met some amazing people, be that colleagues or be that members of the public, but I have also met some bizarre people.

“I’m proud of my time and what I have done. It’s a brilliant job but it’s hard because there are a lot of challenges to face.

“I have enjoyed my job a lot and I’m very passionate about it so that’s why this decision to retire has been so massive for me.

“Neighbourhood policing is the bread and butter of the service and it’s all about getting to the crux of your community.”

Sgt Craig Jarrett of Clitheroe Police said: “She is a very well liked and thought of member of the neighbourhood team and will genuinely be missed.