Police officer bows out after three decades

PC Charlie Banks started out as a police cadet before being posted to the former Pontefract division of West Yorkshire Police.

But he is most well known among the Knottingley and Ferrybridge communities, which he has policed for the last twenty years.

PC Banks, whose last day at work was Tuesday, said: “It has been an honour and a privilege to serve those communities.

“I have met some amazing people and made true friends along the way.”

PC Banks has been a member of the Pontefract and Knottingley NPT since its launch.

And his work with young people has seen him recognised with a West Yorkshire Police Excel award.

Inspector Geoff Carter said: “Charlie’s commitment to the local community has been unwavering.

“The results he has achieved in enhancing community cohesion and in working with young people have been amazing.

“His boots are big and they will take some filling.

“Both personally and on behalf of West Yorkshire Police, I would like to thank him sincerely for his years of service and wish him all the best for the future.”