A police officer who has served the Saddleworth and Lees area for 17 years has said his goodbyes to the community.

Police constable Jonny Marsden will be working his final day in the area tomorrow (Sunday) before moving to another area of Greater Manchester Police (GMP).

PC Marsden started in Saddleworth and Lees as a police community support officer (PCSO) before later becoming a neighbourhood beat officer.

Today (Saturday) the officer said his goodbyes to members of the community during the annual Rushcart festival.

A Facebook post published by GMP Saddleworth & Lees has thanked PC Marsden for his “dedication” to the community.

The post reads: “PC Marsden would like to say goodbye to the local community as tomorrow will be his last day working in the Saddleworth & Lees area.

“From his time on the area as a PCSO onto becoming a neighbourhood beat officer, he is now set to leave us for another adventure within GMP.

“This will be the last time he will be working the Rushcart if you see him and the team around please come and say hello and goodbye.

“A big thank you to PC Marsden for all his dedication to the local community over the last 17 years and we wish him well in his new role.”