FOR 30 years, Sergeant Colin Hibberd has devoted a great deal of time in his police career to road safety and, although he retired from the Wiltshire police force last Friday, he intends continuing his interest.

In a fortnight's time, Sergeant Hibberd will become commercial manager of a new company in Salisbury, Defensive Driving Consultants, which teaches drivers, particularly business and company drivers, all aspects of good driving.

In addition to his driving expertise, Sergeant Hibberd is also a trained firearms officer, so he has been involved in escort duties for royalty, politicians and high-ranking military officers.

His career began in Devizes in 1975. Two years later, he began a term in Trowbridge, followed by a move to Chippenham, where he joined the traffic section.

After three to four years riding police motorcycles, he was asked to do a driving school's instructor's course, up to the full advanced driving stage, so that he could teach others to ride motorcycles and drive cars safely.

He was soon to take charge of police motorcycle training for Wiltshire and his expertise led him into special royal and VIP escort duties, not just in Wiltshire but throughout the country, including London, in partnership with police drivers from other counties.

Sergeant Hibberd said: "I was fortunate that, some seven years ago, I came back to Salisbury.

"I joined the traffic department and three years ago was promoted to sergeant, becoming a senior investigation officer at the scene of serious road accidents.

"I have, unfortunately, had to oversee investigations into more fatal accidents than I care to think about.

"But most of my 30-year career has been varied, interesting and enjoyable."

Sergeant Hibberd (49), who is married with a son and a daughter, is dedicated to safe driving - which is why, on Sunday, even though he had officially retired, he still ran a Bike Safe weekend in Devizes, when members of the public turned up to see presentations and learn how to ride and drive safely.