A FORMER Superintendent who began her police career on the not-so mean streets of Petersfield has been recognised on the 2024 New Year’s Honours List.

Annabel Berry will beat a path to Buckingham Palace as she’s receiving the King’s Police Medal for services to policing.

The recipient, known to many colleagues at Bel, served the county for almost three decades as she joined Hampshire Constabulary in 1995 as a PC in Petersfield.

She has coached, mentored and inspired hundreds of female officers and staff over a 27-year career which included response and patrol work in Petersfield and neighbourhood policing in Liphook.

Andover-born Bel became a Superintendent in 2016 while her career has also included spells as a Sergeant, Chief Inspector and District Commander.

“It has been such a lovely surprise and I didn’t expect it in my wildest dreams,” said Bel after learning of the honour.

“I always wanted to join the police. It’s easy to do something that you love and I love seeing people flourish and succeed.”