IN 1967 Sandy Shaw won the Eurovision Song Contest, the QE2 was launched, and a young Graham Jones became a police constable with the then Mid Wales Police.

Fifty years on, Mr Jones is going strong as the public enquiry officer at Aberystwyth Police Station, and has now been honoured for his dedication to Dyfed-Powys Police.

Chief Constable Mark Collins and Ceredigion Superintendent Robyn Mason led the celebration, joined by High Sheriff Susan Balsom and Aberystwyth police officers and staff.

Mr Jones said: “I am very surprised and humbled to see so many people here.

“It is recognition for a job I have always enjoyed.

“I joined the mid Wales force as a cadet, and during that time I went to Newtown to do a mechanic course.

“I gained some qualifications and then I had a dilemma – should I join the force or should I become a mechanic?

“A local garage tried to persuade me to become a mechanic, so I went to see him and I asked him how much he would pay me. He said he would match whatever the force was paying.

“I thought about it and I decided to join the police. I haven’t looked back.”

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