SOMERSET coroner's officer Richard Davies retired yesterday after 55 years with Avon and Somerset Police.

Mr Davies, who was awarded the British Empire Medal in January 2016 for services to the bereaved, has helped investigate thousands of deaths over the years.

He started his police career as a cadet in 1962, rising through the ranks to inspector before his retirement in 1998, when he took up the role of coroner's officer.

He initially worked in Bristol, transferring to the Taunton, Minehead and Bridgwater areas in 2001 under West Somerset coroner Michael Rose.

Then he worked for senior Somerset coroner Tony Williams from April 2015.

Mr Williams said: "Throughout a long career Richard has acted with the highest standards of integrity and compassion, always prepared to listen to a bereaved family’s concerns and to go beyond what might reasonably be expected of him in seeking to answer their queries and allay any worries.

"Richard has shown the utmost professionalism in taking bereaved families through the necessary legal process at a time when they have been struggling to cope with the most tragic of circumstances.

"After performing such difficult and challenging work I wish Richard a long and satisfying retirement."

Mr Davies, aged 70, and his wife live in Curland and have a grown up son.

At the time of his retirement, he was the longest current serving coroners officer in the Avon and Somerset Police force area.