COMMUNITY leaders have thanked a PCSO for his work in the Dursley area ahead of his move to a different part of the county.

Joshua Griffiths, who has covered the patch for the past nine and a half years, has decided to move closer to home and will continue his policing work in the Forest of Dean.

To thank him for his efforts in reducing crime in the area, councillors and community group leaders gathered at Dursley Methodist Church on Monday where he was also presented with gifts.

Deputy mayor of Dursley Suzi Abraham was joined by current and former town and district councillors as well as members of a number of groups based in the town and members of the public.

On behalf of Dursley Town Council, Cllr Abraham gave Joshua a shield plaque before praising his work in the community.

“It has been a great pleasure to have had you working in Dursley,” she said. “Your work is greatly appreciated and we will miss you.”

Having started his policing career as an 18-year-old in the town, Joshua, now 28, said he would miss working in Dursley.

Accepting the gifts, he described the move across the county as “the end of an era”.

“Over the years in Dursley I have made a lot of friends and it’s where I learned all my trade so I will miss it,” he said.

“It is the end of an era for me but for personal reasons I have had to make the decision to move closer to home.”

Speaking to the Gazette last week, he said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time working for the Dursley community and during that time I am very impressed with the commitment and respect which residents have for the area in which they live.

“I think it is fantastic that Dursley still has a community spirit which I hope continues throughout the years.”

A personalised cake decorated with handcuffs and a police vest, which was created by Helena Cox, was also given to him.

His final day on duty in Dursley will be today and afterwards his role will be taken on by a new PCSO.