Tandridge Neighbourhood Inspector Elaine Burtenshaw is retiring this month after working for Surrey Police for more than 30 years.

Inspector Burtenshaw says she is proud to have served the force for so long and although sad to say goodbye, is looking forward to what the future will bring.

She said: "I am extremely proud to have been an officer with Surrey Police for almost 32 years and I value the opportunities it has given me. It has been, beyond doubt, thoroughly enjoyable and an immense pleasure, and I leave with a tear in my eye, but also looking forward to new beginnings, opportunities and challenges."

Elaine has become a familiar face in Tandridge since taking on the leadership of the neighbourhood team at the beginning of 2007.

In a career which has spanned three decades she has carried out a variety of roles, some challenging, many rewarding, but all ultimately fulfilling. From a tutor constable and schools liaison officer to working with the child protection, response and latterly neighbourhood teams, Elaine has seen it all.

"I remember my first night on the beat in Redhill in 1979 I was wearing a cape and carrying a handbag," she recalled. "How times have changed! Our written work was mainly done on typewriters and carbon paper. Computers were unheard of!

"I have been fortunate to have seen and done a lot during my career and of course there are a few moments which will stick in the memory. For example, being part of the police contingent which marched in front of the Queen for her Golden Jubilee was a very proud moment. There was also the time we rescued a Shetland pony from the side of a busy road in a Transit and brought it to the kennels at Reigate, and not forgetting getting together with Rolf Harris to highlight the plight of victims of child abuse."

She added: "Looking back, the majority of my career has been spent working with partner organisations and the various communities in which I have been stationed. I can honestly say I have enjoyed this part of the job so much and I thank everybody for their co-working and the support they have given to me over the years."

Elaine will leave her post as Neighbourhood Inspector for Tandridge at the end of March and hand over the reins to Inspector Angie Austin.

When Angie joined Surrey Police in 1994 she was based at Caterham, so she will be treading familiar ground. Elaine said: "I know Angie is looking forward to coming back to the area where she commenced her career, and I know I leave Tandridge in a safe pair of hands. She will be heading up a team which I have been extremely proud to lead."

Inspector Angie Austin is expected to join the team shortly to become reacquainted with the area, and eagle-eyed residents may recognise her as a past winner of the Caterham half marathon.

A fitness enthusiast, Angie began her career with Surrey Police as a beat officer then spent two years with the domestic abuse team. After spending three years with the Metropolitan Police as a sergeant in the busy borough of Lewisham she transferred back to Surrey to join the response team at Reigate before in 2006 becoming a staff officer to the then Deputy Chief Constable. Shortly after this she was promoted to Inspector and worked in the Force's control room before returning to the response team at Reigate.

Her career path has now led her back to her roots in Caterham. She said: "I'm really looking forward to joining the Tandridge Safer Neighbourhood Team and continuing the work already carried out by Elaine. Caterham is the station from which I started my career with Surrey Police so I do feel attached to it and still view it as my professional comfort zone!

"I am keen to continue the close working relationship between the neighbourhood team, our partner agencies and the community, as I believe this goes a long way to reducing crime."

She added: "I want to give people the confidence to report anti-social behaviour to us and for them to feel assured they will receive an effective response. Additionally I want to reassure our most vulnerable victims that we will listen to their concerns and take the necessary action. Tandridge is a great place to live and work and I look forward to once again becoming a part of the community and working with you all to ensure crime remains low and people feel safe."