It has now been 15 months since the election of a Police and Crime Commissioner for Dorset.

Despite the low polls and the political wrangling Dorset people chose an independent candidate in Martyn Underhill.

The commissioner very quickly got to grips with the issues, no doubt helped by having a police background.

He has set about an ongoing programme of open forum meetings across the county to keep people informed and, importantly, to enable him to hear about the issues which concern them.

He has been prepared to fight his corner on difficult funding issues and has engaged in an open and honest way with the people of Dorset.

I, for one, would like to take this opportunity to congratulate him on being an effective commissioner who enjoys the confidence of the public and to thank him for the work he does on our behalf.

Colin Pipe, Durley Gardens, Bournemouth