Police officer off to start new life in Palestine

Former Chief Inspector Andrew Udall, 48, retired from the force last Wednesday following a 30-year career.

He is moving to Palestine, where he served last year on secondment to the European Union.

Mr Udall became the first serving British police officer to be seconded to the EU as a policing advisor for the EU Co-ordination Office for Palestinian Police Support.

His work involved developing, training and equipping the Palestinian police in preparation for an independent Palestine.

"The work is very rewarding and very interesting," he said.

"That's why I would like to now carry on. I love travelling and experiencing new cultures and beliefs which is what I have been able to do.

"After 30 very enjoyable years with West Mercia Police I suppose you reach a stage where you want something fresh and different.

"As much as I have enjoyed the job, there's a big world outside the police force and lots of other things to do."

Mr Udall, who is married to Dawn and has two children, joined the police aged 18 as an ex-police cadet and was first stationed in Wellington.

In 1988 he was promoted to sergeant at Malinsgate police station, Telford, before working as an armed response officer for three years in Shrewsbury.

He was promoted to inspector in 2000. He said: "I have immensely valued the camaraderie and huge support I always received from my friends and colleagues."