KENT Police is marking its 150th anniversary in 2007 with a series of events around the county.

The first will be a service led by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, at Canterbury Cathedral on Sunday, January 14 - the actual anniversary of the creation of Kent County Constabulary in 1857.

At that time, the force headed by Chief Constable John Henry Hay Ruxton, had just 222 officers and men. Today, under 14th Chief Constable Mike Fuller, more than 6,000 officers and staff work for Kent Police.

While policing methods and equipment have changed enormously in the last 150 years, the principles of policing remain constant and the cathedral service will focus on the sense of duty that drives police services across the country, with readings and reflections by existing and former officers and staff.

The 65 officers who died in service and in wartime air raids will be honoured and remembered.

Dignitaries from across Kent and Medway, including three former chief constables, will join current and past Kent Police officers, community support officers, Special Constables, staff and volunteers.

Throughout the year various events and activities will mark the anniversary, including open days in each of Kent’s six policing areas in the summer.

The force is also producing a booklet outlining its history, including memories of retired and serving officers.

As well as celebrating its past, the force is also looking forward to the future as it develops as a strategic police force.

Its priorities include working increasingly closely with the community by providing more local level neighbourhood policing, while at the same time continuing its fight against the threat of terrorism and organised and major crime.

Mike Fuller said: "This year we are not only celebrating Kent Police’s proud heritage, but looking forward to an exciting and positive future for the people of Kent and Medway.

"Kent Police has served the county proudly and well over the last 150 years and we are committed to building on this in the future, working closely with the people of Kent and Medway. I look forward to meeting many of you as we celebrate this historic anniversary."

The memories booklet being compiled will be published at the end of the year and the force is keen to hear from people with memories of the past. These can be emailed to maria.porter@kent.pnn.police.uk or posted to Media Services, Kent Police Headquarters, Sutton Road, Maidstone ME15 9BZ.