A police officer who has walked the same beat for 20 years is to hang up his boots next week.

PC Phil Smith has patrolled Tunbridge Wells from The Pantiles to St John’s for more than two decades but after 23 years in the force he is calling it a day.

Known as Smithy, he has been a familiar presence in the town, instantly recognisable by the distinctive traditional custodian helmet he wears.

His typical day has comprised a loop of the immediate town centre to check for new criminal damage and for the presence of any vulnerable people, including the homeless.

After which, he would patrol looking out for people in the town wanted for offences and alerting CCTV operators to those also known for shoplifting.

Born in Oxfordshire, PC Smith said he initially believed he might not make it as a police officer.

He said: “I was too skinny. But my father-in-law told me it’s not about having a huge build and more about knowing how to talk to people and show respect and fairness. He was completely right.”

Among his career highlights, PC Smith was responsible for evidence that helped convict a man for the murder of a teenager whose body was found in suitcase in Torrington car park in 2006.

I will still support the town in any way I can

In 2013, he received a commendation after he was first at the scene of a serious collision near Goudhurst, where he held the airway open of a critically-injured man until fire and ambulance crews arrived.

He said some of the most challenging aspects of his career had been to respond to suicides, or fatalities linked to the misuse of drugs.

He added: “I dislike cannabis use, but I absolutely hate cocaine use as some people regard it as doing no harm, when actually they are causing a demand which leads to huge issues to communities across England and other parts of the world, and its use is also supporting organised crime groups.”

PC Smith is now looking forward to spending more time with his family but also has plans to help people who are neurodivergent and those with PTSD, to help give them confidence and skills to improve their lives.

He insisted he will always be around to support the town in any way he can and offered advice to anyone thinking of becoming a police officer.

He said: “Eat well, sleep well, keep fit and support and check in regularly with your friends, family and colleagues.”