SIDMOUTH Police will soon be joined by a new addition to the ranks. PC Vicky Harper, 35, will officially start her position as a response Officer for East Devon Rural Response Team based in Sidmouth on Monday, November 3. PC Harper was previously an offi

SIDMOUTH Police will soon be joined by a new addition to the ranks.

PC Vicky Harper, 35, will officially start her position as a response Officer for East Devon Rural Response Team based in Sidmouth on Monday, November 3.

PC Harper was previously an officer for West Mercia Constabulary until she moved to the area in 2002 when she opened up a clothes shop, Mad Harry's on Fore Street.

She said: "When I moved to Sidmouth I thought I'd take a few years out from policing. But I really missed it and found running my own business very tiring and time consuming so I decided to re-train as a police officer."

PC Harper has been in training for her new role all summer at various police stations in East Devon and is keen to get started.

"I'm really looking forward to getting stuck in and I've found it easy coming back into policing.

"I'm really involved in the community aspect and I know quite a lot of people in the town already from owning the shop.

"I live locally which I think will be a great benefit and it means I can cycle into work."

PC Harper is one of seven response officers based in East Devon and she will be working closely with Sidmouth Police Neighbourhood team.

She added: "Everyone at the station has been really friendly and I've been made to feel very welcome.

"I am looking forward to getting their local knowledge as they know what is going on and who everybody is.