A KEY figure in the local police force retired after 38 years of service last week.

Avon and Somerset Constabulary’s Chief Constable Colin Port made an emotional departure from police headquarters.

Tears were shed by police staff and officers as he ended his eight-year leadership of the force.

The Chief Constable, preceded by the force’s ceremonial mace team, was escorted by two police motorcycle outriders and officers from the force’s mounted section in ceremonial uniform.

Police officers and staff of all ranks lined the route in Portishead to wish him on his way.

He said: “I was very moved by the kindness shown by my colleagues who said goodbye to me.

“I am enormously grateful to those officers and staff from Avon and Somerset Police for the fantastic support shown to me, and for the great job everyone is doing to keep the people of Avon and Somerset safe.”

Chief Const Port announced in November that he would be stepping down from the role he had held since 2005.

He said he had ‘no intention of applying for my job’ following a meeting on November 22 with PCC Mountstevens who had been elected seven days before.

Earlier this month iT was announced Chief Const Port was to issue legal proceedings against the PCC body and wanted an injunction imposed which would prevent PCC Mountstevens from beginning the recruitment process for a new chief constable.

Chief Const Port also wanted a court to rule that he should have six months’ notice.

But Mr Justice Edwards-Stuart ruled in favour of the PCC following the one-day hearing earlier this month.