While most of us were enjoying the festivities this Christmas, Pc Chris Jones was risking life and limb to protect the county's VIPs.

The 40-year-old father of three is one of 12 officers based at Thames Valley Police's close protection unit in Bicester.

Pc Jones regularly protects The Queen, Prince Charles and Prime Minister Gordon Brown, and once stopped a man throwing himself at ex-Premier Tony Blair's car.

He said: "Our job is to plan, prepare and protect all VIPs staying and visiting within the Thames Valley Police area.

"Along with the Metropolitan Police Close Protection Unit, we are the only full-time unit of our kind.

"Our uniform changes to match the occasion - it can be lounge suits, chinos or even tuxedos. We wear earpieces and carry weapons.

"It is dangerous, of course, but it's also probably one of the best jobs in the police service."

Pc Jones began his career at Wallingford police station as a plain clothes officer, and joined the close protection unit in 1998.

He was on duty inside Westminster Abbey during the Queen Mother's funeral and guarded Prince Charles on a visit to Wychwood Brewery, in Witney, in October.

He said: "The day a guy tried to jump out in front of Tony Blair's motorcade, I had already noted him as someone acting suspiciously, so I was able to grab him."

Pc Jones cannot reveal details about any assignments, but likely duties at Christmas included escorting VIPs to and from church.

"There will not be a turkey dinner for me on Christmas Day, but I do not mind. I love the job."