The borough's top cop has paid tribute to his officers as he prepares for retirement.

Sutton borough commander Detective Chief Superintendent Guy Ferguson is retiring in September after 32 years of service with the Metropolitan Police and five years as Sutton's most senior officer.

Sutton mayor Councillor Arthur Hookway paid tribute to Det Ch Supt Ferguson, who was given a cake in the shape of a police helmet baked by one of his officers as a leaving present.

Speaking at a ceremony earlier this month, Det Ch Supt Ferguson said: "I have been humbled many times when I learn of all the hard work and the lengths that officers will go to catch criminals and keep residents safe - often putting themselves at risk to do so."

Det Ch Supt Ferguson, a keen rugby player and cyclist, became borough commander in 2009. In that time, crime in Sutton has fallen by 20 per cent while confidence and satisfaction ratings have improved.

Coun Hookway, said: "What a marvellous man Guy Ferguson is. On behalf of the 190,000 citizens of Sutton, I give our heartfelt and sincere thanks for the excellent work that you do on a daily basis."

Met Assistant Commissioner Helen King praised Det Ch Supt Ferguson's professionalism and integrity and also his mantra of 'surprise and delight' which he uses to encourage all his staff to go the extra mile in their work.

Det Ch Supt Ferguson, 53, plans to use his retirement to spend more time with his family, his wife Julie, twins Jenny and James, 22, son William, 17 and dog Otto.

Officers signed a tribute book and organised a collection for the outgoing borough commander, but PC Liane Walker went one step further by baking him a helmet shaped cake, complete with handcuffs and epaulettes that show his first and last shoulder numbers.

PC Walker said: "Everything is edible on the cake, which was made from vanilla sponge, with raspberry jam and butter cream filling, then a fondant covering.

"We knew that there would be a collection from the borough but the team wanted to do something a bit more personal."