KENT'S ex-Chief Constable Sir David Phillips sat down with seven former High Sheriffs of the county for a farewell lunch held at Maidstone Crown Court.

Sir David stepped down in March after 10 years at the helm in Kent. He has left to head up a new national police agency, the Centre for Policing Excellence.

The lunch was organised in his honour by the High Sheriff of Kent, Anthony Monteuuis to thank him for his work over the past decade.

Mr Monteuuis' ancient office, which stretches back 1,000 years, once held responsibility for upholding law and order in Kent.

Sir David was presented with an engraved silver decanter and in a speech thanked the shrievalty for its support during his time in Kent.

Among the 25 invited guests were seven former high sheriffs and Maidstone's top circuit judge Judge Andrew Patience QC.