Longest-serving town ranger leaves after 20 years

Rob Hallam said his fondest memory was the London 2012 Olympic torch relay

A town has said goodbye to its longest-serving ranger – one of the people that patrols the streets helping to deter crime, deal with emergencies and first aid situations and talk to businesses and customers.

Rugby First ranger Rob Hallam and his wife have moved on to new jobs after nearly 20 years of service.

Linda Lowne, business director for Rugby First, which is a business-funded body working to improve the town, said Mr Hallam had been a "real life hero" and had helped to save more than 20 lives while on duty in the town centre over two decades.

Mr Hallam said it had been "a real privilege" to play his part.

Miki Croner said people were "gutted" to hear Mr Hallam was leaving

Mr Hallam said the fondest memory of his time patrolling the Warwickshire town was when the Olympic torch relay came through in 2012.

"It was an amazing experience to see the Olympic flame, something I'll probably never see again."

Mr Hallam said he believed the town had a "bright future" ahead, with exciting redevelopments planned, and he urged people to "shop local and support the town".

Helen Simmonds said Mr Hallam was a "gentleman through and through"

Miki Croner, owner of Jeans Flowers in Regent Street, said people were "gutted" to hear Mr Hallam was leaving, adding: "It's a real shame that Rugby's losing him."

The team of rangers had particularly helped to prevent shoplifting, business owners said, and Ms Croner added: "Having the presence of all of the rangers in Rugby town centre deters shoplifters a lot, so we feel a real benefit from Rugby First and the rangers' support."

Helen Simmonds, owner of The Copper Tree, a gift shop in Chapel Street, said Mr Hallam was "a gentleman through and through".

She said he had been a friendly and approachable presence in the town and it had been "fantastic" to have him around.