HE could have been walking up and down The Belfry instead of Plantation Drive, but golf's loss is Warndon Villages' gain.

The area's new bobby on the beat almost became a professional golfer when he left school but decided a sportsman's life was not for him.

"I was a good golfer and played off a handicap of two," says Nick Davies.

But the golf course didn't suit me so I decided to give up on that ambition."

The 29-year-old started work as Warndon Villages' beat officer this month after a year-and-a-half working in Evesham, but the preparation for pounding the streets in uniform came from the job he took immediately after leaving school.

"I was a postman for a few years," he says.

"I enjoyed talking with the public and that's what I hope to bring to this job."

PC Davies, who lives in Cheltenham with his wife and three-year-old son, says he hopes his role will give people a name and face to contact and act as a bridge between the community and the police.

"Since beginning the job I've been walking around the area, getting to know people," he says.

"Really, these are the strengths of this role, having more time to deal with people and sort out longer-term problems. It's a really enjoyable job."

His role seems to underline a trend back towards fulfilling the public's desire for old-fashioned policing, or a "visible presence", as PC Davies puts it.

"I've got to know some of the local kids and I've visited the youth clubs at the Lyppard Grange community centre.

"There are also youth groups in the Woodgreen Evangelical Church (in Hastings Avenue) which I've visited.

"I hope kids won't be afraid of the police and that if they have problems they're comfortable in approaching us."

Anti-social behaviour - whether perceived or real - continues to be the residents' main worry.

A year ago, Warndon Villages was designated an area in which police could use special powers to disperse groups of people hanging around in groups and escort under-16s home.

That was deemed a success, but councillors are still hoping to provide more facilities for young people, including a shelter where they can spend time away from people's houses.

PC Davies will discover more about people's concerns as he pounds the streets, liaises with community leaders and responds to emergencies - an appointment at a Warndon Parish Council meeting was abandoned when he went to arrest a shoplifter.

"I'm looking forward to a long and successful career in my role in Warndon Villages," he says.

"I'll help the local community in any way I can."

And he'll be hoping he'll still find time to practise his swing.

If you live in Warndon and have a story, reporter Ian Wishart would like to hear from you. Call him on 01905 742256 or e-mail: iw@thisisworcester.co.uk