THE Blackburn police have long enjoyed a fine reputation for their esprit de corps, reported the Northern Daily Telegraph in 1919.

All sections are animated by their desire to help each other and render the service to the community for which they have been specially selected.

Not only in work, but in play this harmonious feeling is manifested.

Particular attention has been paid to manly recreation, especially swimming, including life-saving, cricket, billiards, the force holds the Bottomley trophy and bowls, which have proved a source of real assistance to officers in their daily duties.

In 1914 all the branches of sport were brought together under one head and to establish an athletic club.

It proved a decided success and has been a valuable link in the general spirit of comradeship in the force.

The present Chief Constable Mr C Hodson has stressed the value of life saving and over 50 police officers hold the medallion and certificate.

More than 20 are training for the honour this year and a number will practise for the instructors’ certificate.

The president of the athletic club is Mr Hodson and among the officers are treasurer Sgt A Mackereth; Sgt Kenyon, chairman of the cricket section; Sgt W Brunskill, chairman of the swimming section and PC W Spence, chairman of the billiard section.

Among those proficient in water sports at this time was Insp Nolan and this picture shows him in front of his station with his sergeant at Copy Nook.