THE commanding officer of a Tynedale military base has been thanked by police for his support as he takes on a new role after 20 years in the Army.

Colonel Chris Gent was the commanding officer of the 3rd Regiment Royal Horse Artillery based at Albemarle Barracks near Harlow Hill – the biggest Army base in the region – which currently has soldiers training or deployed on operations in nine countries around the world.

Northumbria Police officers have worked closely with the base and together they have been able to raise thousands of pounds, with Col. Gent at the centre of the fund-raising efforts.

During his tenure, the regiment has raised thousands of pounds for the Children’s Heart Unit Fund in Newcastle, volunteered at food banks and homeless charities in the region, provided displays at numerous local events, and assisted in community projects such as graveyard maintenance in Prudhoe.

Chief Con. Keenen said: “It was a real honour for me to be able to be there in person to wish Chris well and express our appreciation for all that he has done.

“Albemarle Barracks is right at the heart of the local community and Chris has immersed himself into that during his time there.”

Col. Gent, who has been promoted to command an organisation that runs specialist training between the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force, said: “We are fortunate to receive such strong support for the regiment from the wonderful Northumberland community and are proud to be able to give something back.

“Our relationship with Northumbria Police has been superb – we have routinely come together to share ideas on key issues such as leadership, values, and societal issues that might affect our soldiers.”