LOVING tributes were paid to a devoted family man and police officer at his funeral yesterday, Tuesday.

Colleagues of PC Kevin Brinkman lined the approach to St Mary's Church, Weaverham, in a show of respect for their fellow officer and support for his family and loved ones.

The father-of-one from Northwich died following a minibus crash in Thailand on March 29, leaving long-term partner and fiance Diana, who he was due to marry this year, and their two-year-old daughter Chloe.

The service was conducted by the Rev Ian Bishop, the Rural Dean of Middlewich, and readings were given by PC Brinkman's family, friends and colleagues, including Chief Constable Peter Fahy and PC Brinkman's father Brian Nicholson.

Speaking before the service, Mr Bishop said: "What I am trying to do here is to bring an element of hope into the tragedy, which is personal to the family and for the community as well.

"He was clearly a very good police constable and obviously a good friend and colleague to a lot of people here.

"My job is to reflect something of that and look beyond that to the hope that transcends death."

PC Brinkman served in the police for more than 10 years, working as a uniformed patrol officer based at Warrington and Stockton Heath before joining the town's community action team.

He was also awarded the Cheshire Chief Constable's commendation for bravery in 2002.

After the service at St Mary's Church, mourners went on to a private service at Walton Lea crematorium, stopping briefly at Stockton Heath to give officers there the opportunity to pay their respects.