Sidmouth’s top ranking police officer has been praised for his hard work launching a social media messaging group for shop owners.

Last month the Herald reported the launch of the WhatsApp group chat, which had been set up as part of a new ‘Shop Watch’ scheme.

The idea is to enable shop owners to send instant alerts to one another when they notice suspicious behaviour in the town.

So far, more than 50 shops have joined the group, set up by Sergeant Andy Squires.

Sgt Squires said: “I’m super impressed with how it is going. We have seemed to have suddenly created a community, which is really encouraging.”

Speaking at the latest Sidmouth Town Council meeting, Councillor Marc Kilsbie added: “I would like to congratulate Sgt Squires on his app adventure, it has proved very popular in the town. It has been a fantastic success – I know how much work you have put into it.”