The police's "face of football” has received a top honour in recognition of his work.

PC Darren Balkham has worked as Sussex Police's football intelligence and liaison officer since 2000.

To recognise his work mainly supporting Brighton and Hove Albion, the 41-year-old was presented with a High Sheriff's award by Patrick Burgess, the High Sheriff of West Sussex, at a ceremony in Brighton.

 

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Darren, who is originally from Manchester but joined Sussex Police in 1995, said: “I consider myself very lucky to have this job. I live, eat and breath football.

“There are only seven clubs I've not visited, and a recent pre-season friendly with Norwich was my 600th game accompanying the Albion.

"We basically try to encourage self-policing by the fans, building trust and confidence so that they effectively take responsibility for their own behaviour.

“We also aim to be consistent in the way we police Seagull's matches.

“There are always officers present, but we don't 'front load' things for big games. That just doesn't work.”

Such has been the success of Darren's approach that even while holidaying in Florida recently he was spotted by an Albion fan who came over to greet him.

Inspector Tony Lumb, of Sussex Police, said: “Rarely has one officer had such a positive impact on a section of the community over a sustained period of time as Darren has had with Brighton and Hove Albion and their associated partners and organisations over the past 13 years.”

A spokesman for the Seagulls' Supporters Club said: “We can travel anywhere in the country in the happy knowledge that Darren has sorted things out prior to our arrival.”