The chief constable of Dyfed-Powys Police has not given up the fight to retain the force helicopter.

Following the formation of the National Police Air Service – which has seen many forces scrap their own helicopters to gain access to a nation-wide pool of aircraft – many feared the end of the force’s own chopper.

Opponents of the move have claimed the rural nature of the force area – the largest in England and Wales – meant a dedicated helicopter was an essential element of the police’s armoury.

That view appeared to be echoed by Chief Constable Simon Prince, during an exclusive interview with the Guardian.

“We have been very forthright with the National Police Air Service when expressing our views,” Mr Prince said.

“We will not compromise on the safety of the public.

“We need to make sure that this – the national pool – would provide us with what we need to police our force area.”

He added that discussions would continue until a satisfactory outcome was reached which would offer a service “at least as good as we have now”.

“We are still in negotiations with the National Police Air Service and those discussions are set to continue,” he said.