A YORK police officer told today of his deep relief after hearing he will not be charged over an armed robbery at a post office.

Licensing officer PC Arthur Swaine thanked his wife and family for their unswerving support and faith during a difficult and traumatic time.

And he said he hoped he could now get back to a normal life as quickly as possible.

PC Swaine, a well-respected licensing officer who has pioneered initiatives against under-age drinking and drink-related violence, was arrested in January in connection with a robbery in Burton-in-Lonsdale last September.

He was later rearrested on suspicion of attempting to pervert the course of justice. A woman was also arrested at the same time in connection with the same incident.

North Yorkshire Police have now said there will be no action taken against him or the woman in connection with the post office robbery. Ron Johnson, spokesman for North Yorkshire Police, said: "The police officer and the woman who were arrested in connection with an armed robbery in Burton-in-Lonsdale last September were due to answer police bail today.

"Following advice from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), it has been decided that no action will be taken against either of them in connection with that alleged offence and their bail has been cancelled.

"Other criminal matters are still being investigated in respect of both of them and it is anticipated that files will be submitted to the CPS in due course. The police officer remains suspended."

PC Swaine received a letter from the force cancelling his bail and he was told there would be no criminal charges against him.

In a statement released through his solicitor, Sandra Keen, PC Swaine said: "The events in January surrounding my arrest were a great shock to me, my family and friends. I have vehemently denied any involvement with the allegation of armed robbery and was very relieved to learn that there will be no criminal charge against me.

"I would like to thank those who have stood by me during the last four months. This has been a difficult and traumatic time. I would like to especially thank Heather, my wife, and my family for their unswerving faith in me.

"I would hope that I can now get back to a normal life as soon as possible."

PC Swaine is a well-respected licensing officer both in York and further afield and has spoken many times at conferences in London, proudly telling of York's achievements in combating under-age drinking and drink-related violence. Along with colleague PC Alan Sunderland, he introduced new initiatives such as the use of sniffer dogs at night-clubs to combat drug dealers, drug and alcohol roadshows, banning the sale of alcopops and the setting-up of the successful Doorsafe scheme.