A police constable is keen for the public to get to know him after taking up the post of town centre bobby.

Joe Russell lives in Warden with his wife Mandy, who runs the Island branch of Razzamataz Theatre School, and two young children.

He has been working in Sheerness on the response team, but about two weeks ago started in his new position as town centre neighbourhood police officer.

The 27-year-old started out in policing as a PCSO in Hastings, and then decided he wanted to further his career, and applied for a PC position in Kent.

He worked in Tunbridge Wells, before eventually being transferred to Sheppey two years ago.

PC Russell said his focus is to introduce high visibility foot patrol around the high street and town centre area, to reassure the public, as well as trying to prevent crime.

He is also keen to address and try and resolve and neighbourhood issues that residents might have.

PC Russell is keen to be approachable, and is encouraging Sheerness residents to talk to him about town centre crime.

He said: “I love the job because it is challenging and extremely rewarding.

“I like being able to see things through to the end too.

“I am hopeful people will come and find me and talk to me about the area.”

In his spare time, PC Russell enjoys drama, which is how he met his wife, going to the cinema and keeping fit.

PC Russell will soon be joined by a second officer on the beat, PC Bill Hardiman.