BOB Ayling, the deputy chief constable of Kent, has retired after 33 years in the police force.

Mr Ayling, 52, began his police career in Hampshire and moved to Kent in 1988 to command the Dartford and Swanley area.

During his 16-year career in Kent, he headed the Special Branch and the force's Professional Standards Department before being appointed assistant chief constable in 1992 and then deputy chief constable in 1997.

Following the retirement of Sir David Phillips last March, Mr Ayling took command of the Kent force until Mike Fuller was appointed chief constable in January.

Mr Ayling, married with three children, said: "A lot of what I have achieved has been done with the support of some very able people around me. You can only bring about change and reform if you have the confidence in some excellent advisors."

Assistant chief constable Jim Barker McCardle is taking over as deputy chief constable until a permanent appointment is made.