He's more used to straddling high-powered police bikes than being a back seat passenger in a plush Jaguar.

But PC Winston Chapman, 53, was given the star treatment after he clocked off for the last time yesterday from B Section at Polegate traffic department.

Colleagues arranged for Mr Chapman to be chauffeur driven in a Jaguar with wife Tricia from the Gilda Crescent base back to their home in Seaford after 30 years in the force.

When they arrived home, he opened the boot to find a cool box crammed with tasty treats, including strawberries and champagne.

He said: "It all got a bit emotional towards the end. It was a lovely gesture by them. I was totally taken aback as I didn't have an inkling about what they had planned."

Mr Chapman joined the force in 1971 and transferred to the traffic division four years later.

His skill on two wheels led him to become a member of the prestigious National Motorcycle Escort Group, which provides police escorts at events such as the Tour de France.

He also received a commendation for talking a would-be jumper away from the cliff edge at Seaford Head.