Over the last seven years, police support has been vital in ensuring the safety of the thousands of people who attend the festival each September.

Last year, more than 55,000 people squeezed into Emsworth town centre for the three-day event – many more than anticipated – and it was only able to go ahead because of the policing.

Brendan Gibb-Gray, Emsworth councillor and head of the Emsworth Business Association, said: 'There is little doubt that police officers through the years have shown skill, perseverance and have gone the extra mile to ensure the event took place with the minimum of risk to visitors.

'Hampshire police, like many other police forces, are suffering cuts and re-organisation but to their great credit they have committed to provide Emsworth and its residents with the very best service in terms of patrolling officers and response teams.

'The directors of Emsworth Food Festival wish to show their commitment to Emsworth and indeed the individual police officers who patrol our streets and keep the peace.'

The £1,000 bike is ready to use on patrol by the latest addition to the Emsworth policing team, PC John Butler. The bike is lightweight and durable and sports the Hampshire Constabulary logo.