The villagers plan a surprise party for Tom's 21st birthday, but the celebrations are delayed as the team pursue two dangerous criminals. After Bellamy's life is placed in mortal peril, Tom plays the hero, saving his colleague's life but putting his own at risk. With one officer in a critical condition and another locked in a hostage stand-off, Merton takes a big risk, setting in motion a heartbreaking chain of events that leaves everyone in devastation. Meanwhile, Vernon steps in as the agent of a brass band and can't resist blowing his own trumpet after hiring them out to Lord Ashfordly to play for a group of American war veterans.

Blaketon and Joyce Jowett become rivals in the election for parish councillor, with both doing their utmost to outdo and discredit each other. David becomes caught in the middle of their battle when they both ask him to help raise support from villagers. Meanwhile, the officers are on the trail of a burglar who only steals objects of sentimental value from people's homes, and Tricia's health takes a turn for the worst when she and Jenny organise a fitness class for the local women.