Recognition for policeman's wildlife protection work

A SCOTTISH policeman who has helped protect peregrine falcon chicks and hares has been given a UK-wide award for his work tackling wildlife crime.

Police Constable Charles Everitt was presented with the Wildlife Law Enforcer of the Year Award by environmental charity WWF yesterday.

PC Everitt, 46, of Lothian and Borders Police, investigated 27 wildlife cases last year and has worked in wildlife law enforcement for nearly eight years.

He recently helped set up a community peregrine-watch on a site near Edinburgh that is targeted by chick thieves, which led to the first hatching of the birds in 15 years.

He has also investigated deer poaching, hare coursing and unlicensed zoo animals.

As part of an international operation that seized unlawful goods worth €10 million, he led inspections at Scottish traditional medicine shops for products containing protected species.