Congratulations are surely in order for Surrey's distinguished chief constable Bob Quick.

Last year, he got a first' for his force from the chief inspector of constabulary.

He has now been appointed to a senior post in the Metropolitan Police, namely assistant commander - special operations.

The Met's gain will, of course, be our loss.

However, we still have (we hope) the rest of the excellent Surrey force.

As someone who lives in one of the more lively areas of the county, I have been impressed by the efficiency as well as the humanity of our local bobbies.

So to them, as well as to Mr Quick, we say thank you.

While on the subject of the police we also need to say a word of thanks to the police authority. They have, despite government meanness, recently constructed a viable budget for the next financial year.

It is to be hoped local MPs will continue to press ministers on the funding gap between what our force needs and what they contribute.

Andrew McLuskey, Diamedes Avenue, Stanwell