THE top police officer in Cheshire has stepped down as Chief Constable after 39 years of service in the force.

Nigel Burgess retired last week to signal the end of five years in the job, and he passed on his best wishes to his successor, Peter Fahy.

Mr Burgess has been responsible for steering the force through a period of significant change, driven on a national level by the Government's police reforms agenda, and locally by a comprehensive, long-term development programme.

He has enjoyed a varied and eventful police career and now embarks on civilian life for the first time since the height of Beatlemania.

Mr Burgess said: "I approach my departure from policing with mixed emotions. This is hardly surprising after 39 years serving in three forces and holding up 15 distinctly different roles.

"The last, as Chief Constable of the Cheshire Constabulary, has undoubtedly been both the most challenging and the most rewarding.

"Cheshire is a force with a right to be proud, thanks to the endeavour and the professionalism of its staff and to a committed and knowledgeable police authority.

"There will soon be a new and very capable Chief Constable bringing with him a wealth of experience, together with some high hopes and new ideas."