With a physique that won the coveted Mr Universe bodybuilding competition Sgt Pete Reid is an arresting sight.

The 45-year-old man mountain, who was the first black officer in Oxford, proudly picked up a long service medal for 22 years of good conduct in the force to go with 35 bodybuilding titles.

After picking up his medal from Chief Constable Sara Thornton on Wednesday the father-of-one said his next challenge is to be a role model for young black recruits.

He said: "Over the years I sacrificed a lot of time with my sport.

"Now I need to concentrate on my profession as a police officer."

Sgt Reid - known to colleagues as 'Pete the Meat' - had dreamed of being a police officer since his childhood in Jamaica.

Shortly after arriving in England, aged 14, he picked up a bodybuilding magazine then decided to hit the gym.

Sgt Reid followed in the footsteps of Arnold Schwarzenegger and was Mr Universe in 1992.

Whilst competing he would train five hours a day six days a week and still go out on the beat.

Hard work in the gym helped him become one of the most recognisable officers in the force during his 22 year career.

Sgt Reid, now based at Witney, remembers his first day walking the beat in 1985.

He added: "I remember walking down the street and hearing cars screeching to a halt to look at me.

"People still say they know who I am and I've even brought people into custody who say 'you're Mr Universe'.

"I will use my force if I have to but I have to be extra careful regarding my own strength.

"But to me it's more important to connect with someone than use physical force."

Sgt Reid stopped competing in 1997 to concentrate on his career, but continues to work out.

Medals for 22 years good service were also presented at Drayton Manor Golf Club to Insp Darren Carvey, of Witney, DI Andrew Nicklin, of Woodstock, Sgt Kevin Tobin, of Bicester, Deborah O'Loughlin, a CCTV operator at Witney, and Simon Gray, at Force Transport in Bicester.