A FORMER police officer who spent almost three decades fighting crime in south Essex has celebrated turning 100 years old.

Retired PC Erik Birkin received a special award to mark his centenary after chief superintendent Claire Talbot and Detective Chief Inspector Rob Huddleston visited him in his home.

Mr Birkin joined the then Essex County Constabulary on September 23, 1954, four days after his 30th birthday following a seven-year stint in the Army.

He transferred to the Essex and Southend-on-Sea Joint Constabulary on April 1, 1969, which became Essex Police five years later and spent most of his 29-year policing career in Billericay and Wickford.

He retired in September 1983, aged 59.

Ms Talbot said it was “an absolute privilege” to join Mr Birkin, his family and friends in the celebration on September 19.

She said: “Eric still has extremely fond memories of his time in policing but when I asked him the funniest memory he recalls from his career, he said there were too many to mention.

“Eric is an inspiration to us all and his grandson Geoff has followed in his policing footsteps because of his love and passion for policing.”

Mr Birkin became a well-known figure throughout Billericay and Wickford.

He fondly remembers going out on foot patrols and interacting with the public, before returning to the station at the end of a long shift for tea and cakes.

Upon retirement, he was the custody officer at Billericay Police Station, coming into contact with many of the district’s criminals.

His wife Jo recalls a memorable day when Mr Birkin returned from the fish and chip shop with food for himself and a detainee, who then bit his leg, resulting in him having to restrain her.

Mr Huddlestone also enjoyed listening to Mr Birkin’s memories.

He said: “It was amazing to hear Eric speak of his time walking the beat and as a jailer at Billericay, even fetching fish and chip suppers for detainees.

“His experiences certainly highlight the contrasts and many differences between policing 40 to 70 years ago and now.”

Claire and Rob also spoke with Eric’s grandson Geoff Waddoups, who followed in his grandfather’s footsteps, beginning his policing career with Essex Police before transferring to the Metropolitan Police.