Yorkshire Day: Britain's most beautiful beat?

It’s vast and varied. It’s exhilarating and extraordinarily pretty. It’s England’s biggest county and God’s Own Country.

And this Yorkshire Day (1 August), we want to prove North Yorkshire is home to Britain’s most beautiful beat.

But which area of our cracking county is the best of the best?

These three officers cover very different areas, but each of them is convinced they have the most beautiful beat in Britain. Which would you choose…?

Yorkshire Dales

Sergeant Dave Anderson’s beat covers Swaledale and Wensleydale. He says:

“Even though I’ve been policing this area for several years, it still takes my breath away. It’s got to be Britain’s most beautiful beat.

“When my patrol takes me over the fells, you feel on top of the world. Then you descend into incredible valleys, villages and towns that are so pretty they look like paintings.

“I cover a vast area but I never feel isolated – people who call this place home are warm, genuine and resilient. They welcome you and see the police as a key part of the community.

“When we’ve had major incidents, like serious flooding, the response from the community is unbelievable. Everyone pulls together and gets the job done.

“I joined the police because I care about people, and people here really do care about each other.

“I’ve worked for an urban force and I know how fortunate I am to cover Swaledale, Wensleydale and Richmondshire. It’s a very special place which I’m lucky to call my beat.”

North York Moors & Coast

PCSO Katie Butler’s beat includes Whitby and the surrounding villages along the coast and on the North York Moors. She says:

“I’ve been a PCSO for just under two years now and I cannot believe how lucky I am to be based in Whitby – it truly is Britain’s most beautiful beat.

“Within the town itself, we have the pleasure of picture postcard locations brimming with heritage and history in every direction you look.

“When I’m out on patrol, I sometimes struggle not to pull my camera out every two minutes to take some snaps!

“Robin Hood’s Bay just down the coast and Danby across the moors have some of the prettiest views without fail.

“However, I must say that Whitby Town is my favourite place to work.

“My heart skips a beat every time I catch sight of the majestic Whitby Abbey overlooking the harbour and the whole town, or when I catch a fleeting glimpse of the iconic Whale Bones and the Captain Cook Memorial on the West Cliff.

“More than anything, what makes Whitby stand out from anywhere else are the residents and visitors to the town.

“They are without any doubt the most good-natured and friendly folk I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting.

“There’s a real sense of community spirit here. Amazing events such as Goth Weekend and Whitby Regatta highlight just how warm a welcome Whitby extends to all.

“It makes me so proud to be part of this town, part of this community.

“I wouldn’t swap Whitby for anywhere else.”

 

Historic York city centre

PCSO Darren Erwin’s beat area consists of the City Centre and the Micklegate ward area within the City walls of York.

"I have been a Police community Support Officer for North Yorkshire Police for nearly 3 years now and I truly love my job, especially working in the City that I was born and bred.

"The City itself is full of history ranging from the Roman’s establishing York (Eboracum) in 71AD to the Vikings (Jorvik) in 866AD, the birthplace of Guy Fawkes, the City walls surrounding and defending the City from attacking hordes to the beautiful York Minster that lies at the heart of the City.

"The City itself attracts visitors from all over the world and different parts of the UK as well as local residents to attend the historic City famous for its museums, galleries, public houses, snickle ways and streets, outdoor market to the visitor centres and historic landmarks as well as the beautiful river Ouse that runs through it.

"I love engaging with the locals and the visitors to the City, having pictures taken and giving directions especially to the Minster I always say, “Look up” and you will see it sitting proud in the skyline above the roof tops.

"It is an honour and a privilege for me to work in my part to keep York safe for the locals and the visitors to the City."