Police force celebrates 150 years

Mr Fuller said the force had served Kent "proudly and well"

A police force is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year.

Kent Police is holding a series of events to mark the anniversary, starting with a service at Canterbury Cathedral this month.

The force was established in 1857, headed by Chief Constable John Henry Hay Ruxton with 222 staff members.

It now has more than 6,000 officers and staff led by the 14th chief constable Mike Fuller. A memories booklet will be published at the end of the year.

'Sense of duty'

"This year we are not only celebrating Kent Police's proud heritage, but looking forward to an exciting and positive future for the people of Kent and Medway," Mr Fuller said.

"Kent Police has served the county proudly and well over the last 150 years. We are committed to building on this in the future."

The cathedral service on 14 January - the actual anniversary of the creation of Kent County Constabulary - will be led by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams.

The service will focus on the "sense of duty that drives police services across the country", the force said.

It will include readings and reflections by existing and former officers and staff, and will also remember 65 officers who died in service and in wartime air raids.