Inspector Madge Lynch and PC Tim North, both based at Gablecross police station in Swindon, were two of only three police officers to enjoy an evening as ‘Community Heroes’ in the company of The Prime Minister Gordon Brown and his wife Sarah Brown at 10 Downing Street on 21st October.

The officers were invited to this National event by South Swindon MP Anne Snelgrove who said:

“I wanted to invite PC Tim North to meet the Prime Minister Gordon Brown because Tim has worked with young people on the Twilight Football scheme giving youngsters opportunities to achieve through sport. Many of my constituents mention PC North and his team to me and he is highly regarded by business and community alike. Madge Lynch and I have met on numerous occasions and I am always impressed with her “no nonsense” approach to her work in the community. Inspector Lynch is building community trust and I wanted The Prime Minister to hear about her work. Inspector Lynch attends every community group meeting and like PC North is a recognisable face”.

Inspector Lynch described the day as ‘Fantastic!’. She said:

‘Anne Snelgrove was a super hostess and gave us a full tour of this very famous house. The Prime Minister was really friendly and very genuine. He thanked us for all the work we have done with the communities of Swindon and took the time to tell us how grateful he was that this function and that the event was designed to celebrate the work of ‘Community Heroes’ all over the country. People who attended were from all areas of community business nationwide and we were very proud to represent Wiltshire Police as two of only three police officers attending. The hospitality was unbelievable and we were made to feel exceptionally special, it will really be one of the most memorable times of my life.”

PC Tim North added:

‘Although our time with the PM and his wife was short they were very friendly and interested in our work. It was great to be recognised for the work we do. The mix of those invited to the event shows the importance of communities working together. All that attended have a common goal in improving where we all live and work.”

At the left of the picture is Detective Chief Superintendent Sue Hill of the metropolitan police and the sister of Madge Lynch who attended the event along with her sister.

It had been a busy week for Inspector Lynch as the previous evening she was awarded a Divisional Commander’s Certificate of merit for her bravery and tenacity in detaining a man who indecently exposed himself to her when off duty walking her dog.

PC North was similarly honoured earlier this year in recognition of his outstanding contribution and commitment to policing in Swindon.