MEMBERS of Hereford Times' Facebook group We Grew Up in Hereford have been sharing memories of a well-known character from the city's past.

A picture of Herefordshire policeman Tom Stevens, shared by Dave Jones, sparked lots of comments.

It shows Mr Stevens directing traffic at the Steels Westgate junction at the end of Edgar Street in the 1950's before the city ring road was built.

The junction became home to the county's first set of traffic lights in the early 1960's.

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Known affectionately as "Copper Stevens" and "Tom Harry" he patrolled the streets of Hereford for three decades.

He lived in the College area of Hereford and many remember him from those days.

Sue Griffin said that Mr Stevens used to help her cross over the road every day to go to and from Scudamore School from 1955 until they installed the traffic lights.

She said: "He was a lovely man, he always had a smile and a joke with me as I waited for him to stop the traffic for me."

Barbara Austin said that Mr Stevens lived in the prefabs on College Green when she was a little girl.

Ms Austin said: "I went to school with Peter his son back in the early fifties, they were a nice family."

Lesley Owen agreed with Ms Austin.

She said that Mr Stevens always used to call her Feather, because she was so small when she was born, weighing only 3lbs.

Former officer Stuart Brace said traffic duty at the junction of Steels Westgate, was part of your shift when he joined the force in 1964.

He said: "Tom Harry was a legend, held in utter respect by members of the public."

Sharon Jones-Evans said Sgnt Tom Stevens was one of the best policemen around at the time.

She said that if he saw her and her sister in town he would question why they were there.

Mrs Jones-Evans said "If he said "you Jones girls need to go home" we did straight away.

Not only was he tough but he was fair and honest and kind.

He was always open to give advice and protected his community.

Patrica Orton recalled being lost as a child: “I saw the policeman in the middle of the road directing traffic, stood on the kerbside facing him and burst into tears. 

"I was only five but already knew a policeman could help." 

She said another officer escored her home. "He told me if ever I have a problem, just call at the police station and ask for him. 

His name, he said, was ‘Sarge’.”