Dedicated Ken Reekie was a member of Tring Crime Prevention Panel for 19 years including time at the helm of the group as chairman.

He has been responsible for boosting the number of neighbourhood watches so that Tring has now become the first official Neighbourhood Watch Town in England.

During a special presentation last Tuesday (November 18), western area commander Chief Superintendent Jerry Alford said: "Ken, for me you typify everything that is admirable in members of the public who don't just sit at home and take things for granted but say they are going to make a difference to their community.

"It is because of the work of yourself and your Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinators that this year we have had an eight per cent reduction in crime."

Chief Supt Alford added that he rarely gives out commendations and said it is only for those who have gone far beyond the call of duty.

Mr Reekie, of Deans Close, Tring, said: "I have had a very good and very supportive panel. During all these years we have always had the support of the local bobbies."