A former Royal Navy Petty Officer who served on nuclear submarines for eight years is the new face at the helm of Sheppey’s police officers on the beat.

Sgt Robin Lavender, 42, who is married with five children, has been in charge of the custody area at Sittingbourne police station for the last three years.

He is familiar with the Island as he was a Patrol Sgt on Sheppey for a year – and before that he had a similar job in Maidstone.

Sgt Lavender said: “I am looking forward to getting to know the parish councils and other bodies on the Island because these days it is all about the police being visible on the streets of their neighbourhood.