ONE of Leigh's top policemen is retiring from the beat after a 35-year career.

Chief Inspector Ken Dickson, (left) second-in-command of the Leigh sub-division of Greater Manchester Police, leaves the force today.

Ch Insp Dickson took up his post at Leigh last December.

He said: "I have really enjoyed it here. I would certainly recommend going into the police as a career. It has been good at Leigh -- there is a good feel about the place.

"There are good staff here and we have a good relationship with the local authority. I'm sad to be going but you have got to go some time."

Ch Insp Dickson, who is married with a son, has not yet decided what he is going to do in his new spare time.

He said: "There is a bit of work that needs doing around the house and garden so I'll probably occupy myself with that. I might try to get a part time job."

Since Ch Insp Dickson joined the Lancashire Constabulary in 1966 serving at Westhoughton and Middle Hulton, he has found the job has changed dramatically.

He said: "When I first started I didn't even have a radio. Things have changed. There are more people and more traffic now, the job is more difficult."

In 1975 he moved to Bury as a sergeant. He became a GMP inspector in 1980 serving at Salford, Eccles and the complaints and disciplinary department. In 1985 he moved to Bolton and served at the town's central station and at Astley Bridge.

He was promoted to the rank of Chief Inspector in 1987. Ten years ago he transferred to the Wigan division working in administration and served at Ashton-in-Makerfield. He switched to force head quarters at Chester House in 1993 before moving back to Wigan four years ago.

In 1979 he was awarded the St John Ambulance Humane Society award for successfully resuscitating a woman overcome by car fumes in a Westhoughton garage.

Leigh's new Chief Inspector Ian Palmer will take up his post on September 3.