MODERN and historical policing methods were compared this week as a present day police constable met up with his 1950's counterpart.

A story in the Wiltshire Times last month reveal-ed how Bradford on Avon PC Gary Jones has been given a bicycle to patrol the town and the riverside.

The story prompted retired Bradford on Avon sergeant Harold Hicks, 78, to send in a picture of the bike he used during his time on the beat in the 1950s.

Mr Hicks said: "In the picture I was just checking the man over he was a stranger in the town.

"We would ride down to town from the police station on our bikes, and then we were on hand to see what people were up to.

"It's nice to see that after 50 years the police are finally catching up."

Mr Hicks retired from the force in 1971 after nine postings in different parts of Wiltshire. In 1950 a sergeant was paid just £20 a month.

PC Gary Jones met Mr Hicks on the Town Bridge last week to compare notes.

PC Jones said although the methods of policing had changed and the wages had increased aspects of police work remained unchanged.

He said: "They were dealing with a lot of the same sorts of crimes that we deal with here in Bradford on Avon on a daily basis.

"Talking to Mr Hicks it seems they had more problems with public order than we do and it must have been difficult doing the job solely on pedal cycle.

"I think the technology we get to use is the reason why we have fewer public order offences now, but given the facilities they had in 1950, they did well.

"I now realise we almost take for granted the use of telephones, radios and mobile phones."