By Lesley Richards CRIME scene examiner Christopher Rumble has put the clues together to earn himself a university diploma.

The Leigh-based examiner, who plays a leading role in solving local crime and helped detectives clear up numerous cases, recently collected a Durham University diploma for his work.

The diploma was introduced in 1994 and to achieve success, Mr Rumble completed the initial and development courses at the Durham Constabulary National Training Centre, followed by the completion of two years with the force as an examiner.

He also had to submit a series of written projects to the university, one a 10,000-word thesis.

While spending the majority of his time with volume crime cases like burglary and car theft, he can be quickly deployed to major incidents at the request of senior investigating officers.

He is one of 150 crime scene examiners with Greater Manchester Police. SUPER SLEUTHS: Christopher Rumble, back row ,third from left, with fellow award winners Christine Monaghan, Fiona West, Linda Shackleton, Linda Nelson and Bonnie Hopkins; front row Mervyn Valentine (quality manager, scientific services), Jacquelyn Newman (manager crime scene examination unit), Assistant Chief Constable (crime operations) Alan Green and Geoff Keeling (head of crime scene examination unit)