THE retiring deputy chief constable of Wiltshire Police got on his bike for charity.

Stephen Long spent three days cycling 220 miles visiting all the Neighbourhood Policing areas in the county to raise money for the charity Crimebeat and local women's refuges.

He aimed to raise £10,000 for the two but has already beaten that target, raising more than £11,000 and the money is still coming in.

Mr Long stopped off in Trowbridge on Thursday to collect a cheque from the Trowbridge Community Area Future Partnership.

Various members of the Neighbourhood Policing Teams in west Wiltshire joined him on different legs of his journey through the district.

He said on Thursday: "This is the half way point on the journey and it has been fantastic.

"Just the fact that I am still standing is a success."

Mr Long has been in training since May cycling up to 70 miles a day and getting up at 6am to go out on the bike before work.

His three-day marathon started in Devizes last Wednesday and he passed through west Wiltshire the following day before going on to the south of the county and finishing up in Devizes again on Friday, to coincide with his last day in the force.

He has served in the police force for more than 30 years.

He added: "I've had a great response from our own staff and members of the public.

"There have been a number of people who have thrust money into my hands as I have been cycling along.

"I'm looking forward to getting to Pewsey because there is a nice tea shop that serves a good chocolate cake."

Doug Ross and Kate Moss from Trowbridge Community Area Future Partnership handed over a cheque for £100 to help boost his fundraising campaign.

Money is still being collected - anyone wanting to donate should contact their own neighbourhood police team or send a donation to Alizabeth Alison, staff officer to the DCC, Wiltshire Police Headquarters, London Road, Devizes, Wiltshire, SN10 2DN.