AN RSPCA inspector based at West Hatch has scooped a long service award in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the society.

Chief Inspector John Pollock, 44, who heads up the charity’s Somerset and East Devon inspectors, has won the Gordon Jones award.

He joined the RSPCA in 1991 and moved to Somerset in 1999, taking up his current role managing 14 officers two years ago.

Chief Inspector Pollock, who is married with two young children, said: “It’s always nice to have your efforts formally recognised, although working for the society is a reward in itself.

“During my years with the society, I’ve been lucky enough to be involved with everything from rescuing sheep that have gone over cliffs in Cornwall to penguins covered in oil after a tanker sank off Cape Town in South Africa.

“No two days in the job are ever the same and there are constant hurdles to overcome when you’re trying to prevent animals from suffering.

“However, I am lucky to work alongside a wonderful group of officers in Somerset and East Devon and this award is really for them as well.”