A commemorative service to mark 170 years of policing in Wiltshire took place today at Salisbury Cathedral.

The Reverend Canon Edward Probert, the Cathedral's Canon Chancellor, led the anniversary event for a congregation of 500 serving and retired police officers and staff, dignitaries, and invited guests from communities across the county.

The force was established on 28 November 1839 under Chief Constable Samuel Meredith, with just 200 personnel. Today Wiltshire Police has 12 times that number of officers and staff serving the county's public.

The service included readings, hymns, prayers, speeches and reflections.

During the one hour ceremony, which started at 11am, 21 candles were lit to honour the number of officers who have fallen in the line of duty since the force was formed. Three families of fallen officers attended to help light those candles.

A member of police staff sang Pie Jesu and another gave a performance on the euphonium of 'You Raise Me Up' towards the end of ceremony.

Afterwards, guests were invited to receptions in the Chapter House and Cloisters. A 170th anniversary cake was also cut.

The event was rigorously planned to allow officers and staff representing all police ranks and grades to attend while other colleagues maintained a full policing service for the people of Wiltshire and Swindon.

Five of the force's service providers, G4S, Mitel, Reed, Ridge and Steria supported the event, which paid for the service in full.

Wiltshire Police Chief Constable Brian Moore, who led the force procession at the start of the service, said afterwards: 'This was an opportunity to commemorate our heritage and demonstrate how proud I am of Wiltshire Police's people, history and achievements.

'This 170th anniversary also allowed us all to remember our fallen colleagues, the sacrifices they made in the line of duty and the contribution each of them made to keeping our county and its people safe.'

The Chief Constable added that the majestic cathedral setting was a fitting venue to observe Wiltshire's policing pedigree of being the first county in England to establish a constabulary.

Mr Moore continued: 'Salisbury Cathedral's walls contain one of the best preserved examples of the Magna Carta from 1215 AD. The charter is symbolic of the establishment of the rule of law in England and the protection of individuals' rights. Our policing commitment continues to uphold these values.'

Wiltshire Police Authority Chairman Chris Hoare said: 'The people of Wiltshire should feel justly proud they have a police force that has such a long tradition of serving the public and keeping the county safe.'

'I would also like to thank the five force service providers for meeting the full costs of the ceremony, which in these prudent times is a generous gesture.'

A former Wiltshire Chief Constable, Dame Elizabeth Neville, joined serving and retired police officers, staff and PCSOs, the Special Constabulary, Police Volunteers, Neighbourhood Watch, staff associations, members of Wiltshire's Police Authority and the five leading force suppliers at the event.

Congregation members also included the Lord Lieutenant, past and present High Sheriffs, MPs, military representation, executives from Wiltshire and Swindon councils, mayors from around the county, the Fire and Rescue Service and the Ambulance Trust.

Representatives from the judiciary included His Honour Judge Longbotham and a number of magistrates. Also attending were custody lay visitors, members of Wiltshire Criminal Justice Board, Victim Support, the Race Equality Action Group and Swindon Race Equality Council.

The Black Police Officers' Association and Independent Advisory Group were also represented.

More than 150 of the congregation were representing all sections of Wiltshire and Swindon's communities.

The Right Worshipful the Mayor of the City of Salisbury, Councillor Mrs. Bobbie CHETTLEBURGH commented: "The City of Salisbury is extremely honoured in having been asked to host these celebrations, and we warmly welcome all current and past members of the Wiltshire Police.  We are proud of our police service in this county and thank them for the difficult job they undertake on behalf of all the residents, but today is also a time of sad reflection.  Family representatives of some of the 21 officers who have died in Wiltshire whilst performing their normal duties, were at today's service.  The ultimate sacrifice of those officers, on our behalf, should not be forgotten."

Joanna REES from Swindon, a former member of the Wiltshire Independent Advisory Group commented: "I am Wiltshire born and have remained within the County for the majority of my life and until recently I was a member of the Swindon and Wiltshire IAG. In my opinion, standards within the Wiltshire Police have risen, especially over the last 4 years despite the budget restrictions.   The engagement of more officers within the community, especially as a predominantly Rural county has greatly improved, alongside the honest examination of raised issues and the willingness to make changes no matter how difficult that is. It is a process which ultimately has and is giving the residents of Wiltshire a better service as always the aim is to create a safer community."

Mr Robert Key, MP said: 'Today Salisbury hosted a joyful celebration in which we gave thanks for past service and look forward to 21st Century policing.

Almost everyone in Wiltshire is deeply grateful for its police service and the efforts of all members of its staff.'