A former senior Thames Valley Police detective said it is "overwhelming" to have been named on the King's New Year Honours list.

Detective chief superintendent Jim Weems is set to receive a King's Police Medal for his service to policing.

The former head of force intelligence and specialist operations has been police silver commander for several high-profile events.

He carried out this role for the funerals of the Queen in 2022 and Prince Philip in 2021, the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex in 2018, and the UK visit of President Donald Trump in 2018.

He said: "It is overwhelming. I was very surprised when I got the call, but I was delighted.

"I feel very fortunate that I have had an incredible 31 years in policing. Thames Valley Police is the best organisation to work for.

“I have been very fortunate to work with great commanders, leaders, officers, and staff across the force and to have been a part of events both nationally and internationally. I have been blessed with luck.”

Mr Weems designed plans around the royal wedding to support the royal couple's desired feel of the day, while allowing the scope for plans to be scaled up or down, dependent on the threat level.

During Donald Trump's state visit, he managed a large number of staff, ensuring they were all fully briefed.

Mr Weems also provided leadership as police silver commander during a number of tragic events for the force, including the deaths of two serving officers.

Following the death of the Queen, Mr Weems was elevated to deputy gold as thousands of people travelled to Windsor to pay their respects.

He also managed the force's operation for the coronation of King Charles.

In 2022, he led the creation of a Drug Task Force, consisting of 19 police staff and officers.

After retiring as a police officer, he will begin a new staff role as curator at the Thames Valley Police Museum in Sulhamstead, West Berkshire.

He said: “When you leave Thames Valley Police, no matter what role you do, you leave the policing family and it leaves a hole.

“When this [role] came up, I was excited to come back and talk about how great policing is with members of the public, students, and visitors."

Thames Valley Police chief constable Jason Hogg added: “Jim is an exceptional leader and I am delighted that his hard work, dedication, and conscientiousness has been recognised.

“His success in countless high-profile operations is testament to his devotion and commitment to his role and his pride for policing as a whole."