A LONG-SERVING police community support officer (PCSO) popular with members of the West Somerset community has retired.

PCSO Bryan Stevens spent nearly 19 years in the job, primarily working on Exmoor from Dulverton Police Station.

His Minehead and West Somerset Neighbourhood Policing colleagues announced the news on his final day in the job on Thursday, July 28.

In a Facebook post, they wrote: “Today, we say goodbye to PCSO Bryan Stevens. Bryan has been a PCSO in West Somerset for just shy of 19 years.

“He has spent the largest chunk of his time with Avon and Somerset working on Exmoor and based at Dulverton Police Station. Enjoy your retirement, Bryan.”

Local residents have paid tribute and shared their memories of Bryan's service to the local community throughout his career.

One wrote: “Wishing you a very relaxed and happy retirement, Bryan. Thanks so much for all your time, advice and ongoing support back in the youth club days. It was always much appreciated.”

Another commented: “Bryan, nothing will be the same, you're irreplaceable. Enjoy your well-earned retirement.”

Others described him as an approachable and comforting presence in the local community and an excellent person to work with.

PCSOs are responsible for reducing crime and providing “a visible and reassuring presence” in their neighbourhoods.

They offer advice on crime prevention, deal with anti-social behaviour, and work with businesses, community leaders, and crime victims or vulnerable people.

Elsewhere, the Taunton Neighbourhood Policing Team thanked PCSO Amy Borthwick, who has started training to become a police constable after four years in the role.

In that time, she became the lead officer for licensing and worked with businesses and licensed premises as part of the force's Safer Streets Campaign.

The policing team said: “I think it's fair to say that Amy will be massively missed by us all.”