HE has been working with Essex Police for 42 years during which time he was received numerous awards.

And now Tony Ellis has seen his efforts honoured by the Rotary Club of Epping, which has presented him with the club's annual Service Above Self award.

For 30 years Mr Ellis has served the Epping Forest district where he spent many years as a sergeant based in Epping and Ongar. He developed the Beat Team system of policing, which saw community police officers banded together to serve areas.

He also organised rural gamekeepers into a neighbourhood watch-style organisation, Keeperwatch, producing regular newsletters informing gamekeepers of crime trends, details of suspicious vehicles, and other crime appeal information.

The scheme was so successful that it was developed, and taken up by other police areas.

In the late 1990s, Mr Ellis - following his Beat Team policing success - was called upon to help develop which became Community Policing Teams, with his efforts earning him a Chief Constable commendation.

Mr Ellis, who after hanging up his uniform immediately took up the civilian role of crime reduction officer based at Epping Police Station, has also received a long service award, and the Epping Forest District Council community police medal.

District commander Chief Inspector Ivor Harvey said: "Tony has served Essex Police continually for the last 42 years and the people of the Epping Forest district for the last 30 years.

"This is a magnificent achievement especially when much of his best police work is carried out in his own time.

"I consider myself fortunate and grateful to have the experience, dedication and innovation of a person who has found his vocation in serving the people of Epping and Ongar, and I can think of no better candidate worthy of this prestigious award."

Mr Ellis was presented with the award at a dinner held at Theydon Bois Golf Club.

Mr Ellis, who was accompanied by his wife, Beverley, said: "I would like to thank my boss, Ivor Harvey, for nominating me for the award and for Epping Rotary Club for choosing me to receive it.

"Everyone likes to feel that their work and efforts are appreciated and I am no exception."