A former Sussex Police sergeant has been picked to represent retired officers nationwide.

Eric Osborne has been elected president and chairman of the National Association of Retired Police Officers (NARPO).

It is the first time an officer from the South-East has held the positions.

Mr Osborne joined Hastings Borough Police in 1949 until amalgamation of the five Sussex forces in 1968, when he became the first secretary of the Police Federation Joint Branch.

In 1970 he became a member of the Central Committee, National Police Federation, remaining in those roles until his retirement in 1982.

In 1980 he was awarded the British Empire Medal for his services to the police and police welfare.

On retirement, Mr Osborne joined the Eastbourne Branch of NARPO and is branch chairman.