THE head of Dorchester police has bade a fond farewell to the county town as he prepares to move south of the Ridgeway.

Inspector Les Fry is moving to take over as inspector for Weymouth and Portland after almost nine years in charge of Dorchester.

He will be taking up the new role on October 15 and has thanked all those who have helped make his time in an enjoyable and successful period.

Insp Fry said crime has reduced almost every single year he has been there and there have been significant strides in tackling anti-social behaviour.

He highlighted the creation of the skatepark and the promotion of cultural integration through the Speak Easy group and the One World Festival of examples of ways in which the town has improved for the better.

Insp Fry said: “Working with you all over the past years, we have made a significant difference in our area, crime has reduced almost every single year and anti-social behaviour has seen significant improvements giving us all a better quality of life.”

Former Metropolitan Police officer Insp Steve Marsh will succeed Insp Fry.

He said: “Dorchester section is a job I am looking forward to and whilst I have a hard act to follow I know that I have an excellent team in place to ensure continued success.”