A retired Suffolk police sergeant who has dedicated his career and voluntary work to helping people across the county is to be honoured for his work.

Neil Boast, formerly of the Suffolk police licensing and sexual exploitation team (LASER), will receive an MBE in the New Year’s Honours for services to policing.

As well as his work during his time with the force, heading up a unit dealing with prostitution and liquor licensing issues, he also voluntarily gave his time to other causes.

This has included being part of the Town Pastors scheme, which aims to help and show concern to anyone who needs assistance during nights out and to offer practical help.

Mr Boast has also used his knowledge of motorcycles to volunteer as an assessor for the bikes used by Service by Emergency Rider Volunteers (SERV), which transport vital medical items.