DID you know that there is an election today?

Forty-one new Police and Crime Commissioners will be elected across England and Wales to give us a real say when it comes to policing priorities in our area.

The best way to think of the PCC is as your own law and order champion who sets the local budgets, sets priorities for dealing with crime and prevention, and hires (and fires) the chief constable.

If you want tougher policing, more education to prevent crime in schools, or more police on the beat instead of behind desks, then this election is the way to ensure your views are heard.

It is worth noting that crime has fallen to some of the lowest levels ever seen in England and Wales and, with the election of PCCs to improve accountability to the public and the continued excellent performance of our Wiltshire police personnel, we can keep it that way.

Last weekend I took part once again in the Remembrance Day commemorations in Devizes.

My wreath-laying and service reading are among my most solemn and heartfelt duties, especially given the number of service personnel in our constituency.

This year the crowds around the war memorial were the biggest I have seen, and included the welcome sight of many of the local schoolchildren – it is only right that the sacrifices made by so many should be remembered with dignity by those of all ages.