AFTER 23 years serving with Hampshire Constabulary, Sgt Sheila Edwards from Andover police station has been awarded the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal by Chief Constable Paul Kernaghan.

Originally from Winchester, Sgt Edwards joined the force in 1979 after spending seven years in Australia.

"I was keen to come back to this country and joining the police was something I'd wanted to do," she says. At present, Sgt Edwards is the Station Sergeant at Andover but she's had a varied career to date serving with the child protection unit and the major crime unit at points across the county including Basingstoke, Alton and Aldershot.

"I've thoroughly enjoyed my work which at times has been exciting and challenging.

"I'd have to say working with the child protection team has been the most rewarding part of my job so far."