A BOBBY who has been pounding the beat for more than two decades has been awarded a top accolade.

Pc Graeme Hind was presented with the Queen’s medal for Long Service and Good Conduct.

He was handed the award at Bishopgarth Police HQ, Leeds, by West Yorkshire Police Chief Constable Sir Norman Bettison and High Sheriff Jeremy Burton.

The medal is awarded for completing 22 years of service – although Pc Hind has notched up over 23 years on the beat.

Graeme, a father-of-three, who devotes a lot of his time to working with children, said he was delighted to receive the medal.

He added: “Much was said of the fact that for all those years it is quite unique for an officer to spend all his time in one division – let alone the fact that I have spent 18 years of that time in and around the Oakes and Lindley area!”

Graeme, of Outlane, is originally from Barnsley and was a PE teacher in Oldham before joining the force.

He is part of the Neighbourhood Policing Team for Lindley, which covers Oakes, Salendine Nook, Mount, Birchencliffe and Quarmby.

He is also a community governor at Moorlands School at Mount.

During his career Graeme has also received two Divisional Commander’s Commendations.