A Surrey senior police officer has been reprimanded after a motorist spotted him driving while talking on his mobile phone.

Chief Superintendent Guy Darby of Surrey police admitted the incident and said: "If this incident highlights these dangers to anyone else, then it will be worth the embarrassment I am feeling."

Surrey police confirmed yesterday that Mr Darby had been given an official reprimand and had paid £30 to charity.

The force was unable to issue a formal fine because the offence can only be detected by a police officer who must personally observe it being committed.