Horse retiring after 10 years of police service

A horse is set to retire after 10 years of volunteer service in the police.

Sarah Hills has been a mounted volunteer in Suffolk Police for the past decade and has had her horse Robbie by her side during countryside patrols.

The pair won their second national award at a ceremony last year.

She said 10 years was a "real milestone for us" because she did not know of any other horse serving for that long.

"It's been an amazing journey - from doing BBC Crimewatch all the way to just manning the countryside," said Ms Hills.

"He is such a good horse, he is very placid and he loves being in the public eye."

Mounted volunteers at Suffolk Police are asked to be a visible presence in rural communities, acting as a point of contact and to report suspicious activity such as anti-social behaviour and criminal damage.

Robbie has played a key role in local fundraising efforts and supported road safety awareness through campaigns with the British Horse Society.

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