THE funeral has taken place of a Winsford police officer who died in a motorcycle crash in Northwich.

Around 170 police officers lined the road leading to St Chad's Church in Winsford last Wednesday to pay their respects to PC Tony Heaton, who died on the A556 in Northwich on June 12.

His brother Roy asked people gathered at the service to celebrate what his brother had achieved during his life.

He said: "I didn't think I would be able to speak about our Tony today.

"When we first heard we were all absolutely devastated but eventually the realisation sets in and all sorts of memories come flooding back.

"When we have finished with all the tears there will be plenty of time for us to celebrate his life."

PC Heaton, 38, leaves wife, Pam, and children Jessica, 14, and Max, nine.

In a statement read out at the funeral, Jessica asked people to take a look at a collage she had made of the time spent with her dad.

She said: "I don't really know how to put into words how I feel about my dad so I made a collage so people can see the fun times me and my dad have had throughout our lives."

PC Paul Mace, who worked with PC Heaton at Cheshire Police headquarters in Winsford, also paid tribute to his colleague.

He said: "He was always at the front no matter what situation you were going into.

"He would be the first to put himself in harm's way so others didn't have to."

The funeral at St Chad's Church, conducted by the Rev Adam Friend, was followed by committal at Crewe Crematorium.