BARROWFORD'S latest bobby on the beat is saying G'day' to residents.

Police Community Support Officer Neil Wallin, 40, has lived in Melbourne, Australia for most of his life. Born and bred in England, he has now settled back here and after working as a lorry driver and railway maintenance worker has joined the police.

PCSO Wallin is now out and about in Barrowford and Western parishes, where he lives, and plans to spend the vast majority of his time on foot patrol but residents will also see him on the Pendle Wayfarer buses and in future months will be on his bike. He said: "I've already been out and about on the beat and I'm thoroughly enjoying it. The people in Pendle are fantastic I know they are going to make me very welcome.

"Clearly my priorities will be influenced by the people attending our Police and Communities Together (PACT) meetings, but some of the issues I hope to address including rural crime, road safety and of course, anti-social behaviour."

PCSO Wallin will work alongside fellow Neighbourhood Policing Officers including Community Beat Manager PC Julie Eyre, helping to combat crime and provide a reassuring police presence for local residents.

He said: "I'm keen to meet as many people as I can over the coming weeks.

"If you see me out and about of the beat please feel free to come up and say hello, or if you can, please come along to one of the next PACT meetings."

PACT meetings will be held at Fence library on February 1 from 3pm to 4pm, Roughlee village centre on February 7 from 3pm to 4pm and at Barrowford council offices on March 1 from 6pm to 7pm. PCSO Wallin can also be contacted on 07903 979008.