A LONG-serving police officer, who has spent her last three years of her career in Calne, is set to retire after more than 27 years in the force.

PC Sonya Stockhill, who lives in Devizes, walked through the doors at Calne police station for the very last time on Tuesday before taking some time off and enjoying her retirement.

She started on probation in Chippenham in 1989, where she patrolled the streets for two years before joining the force in Corsham for 11 years. She also spent four years in Devizes and two in Trowbridge before seeing out her career in Calne.

"It is quite sad but I am looking forward to retirement," PC Stockhill said. "Although it will be weird not getting up and putting my uniform on in the mornings! I think I am going to take some time out initially and I am going to the Channel Islands for a holiday on Wednesday.

"I think being a police officer is a job like no other and we get to see so many things and so many walks of life that it is so exciting."

Looking back on her career, PC Stockhill said she had enjoyed so many memories from her career and that her partner PCSO Mark Cook has been a pleasure to work with.

She said: "Mark has been a joy to work with and we have been partners ever since I came here. To be honest, it has been great in Calne and the people here are so welcoming and they are so pro-police it is fantastic.

"It is a bit macabre, but we have done a few murders over the years which has been really interesting. We get to see things normal people don't and we meet lots of lovely people along the way, some of who I still keep in contact with.

"Another really good thing was being at remembrance day Sunday last year where I laid the wreath on behalf of Wiltshire Police. I had never done it before and it was absolutely magic."

The long-serving officer, who helped trace three offenders responsible for an armed robbery in Oaksey, was also presented with a cake on her last day to celebrate the end of her career, which she looks fondly upon.

She added: "Thanks for all the memories."