CHESHIRE bobby Ian Cuthbertson has probably hurdled a few fences in the line of duty but he won’t be putting his athletic skills to the test when he heads to the Olympic Village.

The police constable is among the contingent of officers from Cheshire and across the country helping with venue security.

And Ian, who will be blogging about his experiences through the force website, is looking forward to the experience.

He said: “What an opportunity! It really is a chance in a lifetime and I feel privileged to be involved in such a global event. The coming together of the world's best sporting icons – and I will be there to play a part in the national policing effort.”

Ian, employed by Cheshire Police since 1989, works on the rural neighbourhood team at Frodsham but has fulfilled a variety of roles with CID, the intelligence unit and the press office.

From a working perspective, the hours will be long and being away from home and family for almost three weeks won’t be easy.

But Ian is accustomed to working at events like Chester Races and has also policed the Euro '96 football tournament, motor racing venues, concerts and festivals.

In the build up to the Olympics, Ian was involved in the Torch Relay as it passed through Chester City Centre and witnessed at first hand how the Games was generating ‘real excitement’.

As a fan of track and field, cycling and swimming, he will be on the look-out for anyone from Team GB past or present within the Olympic Village, especially the heptathlete Jessica Ennis.

Ian’s blog can be followed from July 27 to August 12 by visiting www.cheshire.police.uk.