A giant image of PC Andy Hocking now adorns a building at police headquarters in Exeter where it is hoped new recruits will take inspiration from his policing skills and the respect the communities of Falmouth and Penryn held for him.

Andy was just 52 when he died in March of last year. Thousands of people marched through the town a few days later in a mark of respect and mourners spilled out onto the street at his funeral service.

A permanent memorial, five sets of bronze footprints in granite, have been installed across Andy's Arwenack beat in Falmouth and a defibrillator bought from money donated in his memory now adorns a wall at the coastguard station at Pendennis Point.

Now, Andy's memory will also live on at Middlemoor HQ in Exeter where new recruits will see his name and face on a daily basis as they begin their training and follow in his footsteps.

A plaque paying tribute to Andy, bearing the words "He made a difference with each and every step of his beat" was unveiled at the official naming ceremony of Andy Hocking House on Monday which was attended by his mother, Elizabeth O'Hagan; brother, Frank; and Falmouth's mayor, Grenville Chappel.

Frank said: “We as a family are immensely proud of the naming of Andy Hocking House. Andy was a tremendous credit to family, to the local community and to Devon and Cornwall Police. In his becoming a champion of community policing he will inspire officers for generations to come.”

Elizabeth added: "I think it's a great honour and he would be thrilled with that. That's my boy, it's lovely, what a tribute. He always said he was a dinosaur, I hope it inspires there to be more dinosaurs because he just did what the people liked. He knew what the people wanted and he did it."

Mr Chappel said: "Andy was the epitome of community policing, a familiar and visible cheery face on our streets. More than that, he was our friend. We have our memories and we have memorials to him in Falmouth. I am pleased that he now has such a fitting tribute at police headquarters.”

Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Alison Hernandez, said: “This is a wonderful opportunity to have a permanent tribute at police headquarters and recognise the tremendous impact that Andy Hocking made.

“I have heard countless stories about what a wonderful influence he was on the whole area. So many people responded to the help they received from him. I was not privileged enough to meet Andy in person, but he is a great reminder to me about what I need to focus on every day - better connection between communities and policing.”

Ms Hernandez was joined by Chief Constable Shaun Sawyer for the opening ceremony, along with Falmouth town manager, Richard Gates, young force recruits and local police cadets.

Mr Sawyer said: “I had the opportunity and privilege to walk with Andy on many occasions to see, hear and feel the impact he had upon the community and how proud he was of it. Equally, to hear the sense of fellowship he felt for his colleagues across the generations of policing. Words such as 'exceptional’ and ‘unique’ are used all too often, but in his case they are truly merited.

“I am very grateful to the police and crime commissioner in naming a headquarters building Andy Hocking House, not only in recognition of his endeavours, but also a celebration of how one individual from within the police family can create a lasting connection with the public whom we serve."

The building houses the PCC’s office, and also the police force canteen and other conference facilities for use by the whole force. Hundreds of officers, staff, PCSO’s and other workers will see Andy's name and face on a daily basis.