TOP-level police chief Sir Charles Pollard is retiring from the post he said he found both 'challenging' and 'rewarding'.

Chief Constable Sir Charles has announced this week he will retire from Thames Valley Police in February next year, exactly 11 years after he began the job in 1991.

He said the force had faced tough times as well as truly wonderful moments.

He said: "I have been immensely proud to be part of Thames Valley Police."

The 56-year-old, who lives with his wife Allison in Oxfordshire, said: "My contract ends in March 2002 and I intend to leave shortly before that.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed my years in Thames Valley which have been both challenging and rewarding. It has been an honour to head up a force with such committed officers and civilian staff who I have been proud to lead."

Sir Charles joined the Metropolitan Police in 1964 and served in Sussex before joining Thames Valley as Assistant Chief Constable responsible for personnel, training and complaints.

He moved to Assistant Chief Constable of Operations in 1987 and while in the role he was in command of the police operation at the Hungerford shooting.

Sir Charles returned to the Metropolitan Police in 1988 on promotion to Deputy Assistant Commissioner before taking the top post at Thames Valley Police, getting the Queen's Police Medal the same year.

He has overseen the policing of high profile protests at Newbury by-pass and animal rights demonstrations in Witney.