Main Sporting Field - Swimming

PC Arthur Marshall, 53 of Hutton, has been awarded the title in recognition of his dedication, time and commitment to swimming during his 35 years as a police officer. Arthur is a serving officer with the Lancashire/Cumbria Underwater Search Unit which he joined part-time in 1972, becoming a full-time member in 1980.

Arthur joined the Lancashire Police cadets in 1964 and as a cadet he attended three Police Athletic Association (PAA) swimming championships, winning the 50 metres freestyle on two occasions and coming second once. In 1966 he was appointed as a constable with Lancashire Constabulary and has competed in nearly every PAA swimming championships since 1964.

In addition to his individual efforts, Arthur was an every present member of the Lancashire freestyle and medley teams, which were so successful throughout the 1950s, 70s and 80s. A talented water polo player, he represented the North West Police region in the PAA water polo championships and the British Police at International and European competitions.

Pc Marshall receives his award on 4 May

2000 from the Chief Constable of

Lancashire, Mrs Pauline Clare

Arthur has competed in many long distance swimming championships and was a member of the Radcliffe Swim Club that broke the world cross channel relay record in 1966 - a record that stood for 20 years.
From 1966 to 1990, Arthur was a member of the Lancashire team which competed in the Police Baton National Life Saving Championships. During this time, Lancashire won the championship 12 times and was runner up on seven occasions.

In 1978 and 1990, Arthur was captain of the men's life saving team and coach to both the men's and women's life saving teams in Lancashire. He competed in the Great Britain individual life saving championships and was overall champion in 1978,79,80,83 and 85 (when he was 40-years-old). Arthur was also captain of the Great Britain Life Saving Team in three world championships; in Barcelona in 1974, Berlin in 1976 and London in 1978.

Since turning 40, Arthur has competed in the Masters section of the PAA championships and has gained a medal in every event. In April this year he competed in the PAA championships in Edinburgh scoring yet another hat-trick of gold medals in the 50 metres freestyle, backstroke and butterfly events. He also scooped the second place in the breaststroke.

On presenting the award, Chief Constable Pauline Clare said: "It is excellent to see a long-serving officer receive an award of this kind. You have demonstrated commitment and dedication to your sport during your service and are still going strong and winning medals more than 30 years later.

"This trophy was first presented in 1964 just as you were starting off in your police career and it gives me great pleasure to be presenting you with it. You are a worthy recipient of the trophy and this has been recognised by your colleagues from the force."

Receiving the award, Arthur said: "I am honoured to be selected for this award and must thank my wife, Joan, for making sure I get out of bed each morning at six o'clock for training.

"I won't be hanging up my goggles just year as I intend to compete in the 2001 championships, my fourth year in the 50 plus age group, where I aim to retain my three gold and one silver medals."