Tributes have been paid to a former Suffolk police chief who spent 15 years working in the county.

John Grime, 89, former chief superintendent of Suffolk Constabulary, was well-known throughout the county.

Barbara Just, Mr Grime’s daughter, said her father was well-respected by those who knew him.

“He was a very fair man; kind and compassionate,” she said. “He was well loved and well known.

“He was my best friend.

“I don’t think he’ll be forgotten easily.”

Mr Grime moved to Suffolk with his family in 1966 to serve as inspector for Bury St Edmunds.

Having previously worked in Lancashire, Mr Grime spent a total of 34 years in the police force, holding many key roles including chief superintendent for Suffolk before he retired in 1981.

“He loved the police force. It was his whole life,” said Mrs Just of Burwell. “He was a real gentleman policeman.”

After he retired, Mr Grime was a founder member of the Newmarket Twinning Association.

He was also a member of the Newmarket British Legion and co-ordinated the group’s Poppy Appeal collection for eight years.

Mr Grime had a daughter, Mrs Just and a son, David, as well as seven grandchildren and a great grandchild. His wife, Joan, died 14 years ago.

Mr Grime died at Newmarket Hospital on January 29, having lived at home near his daughter in Burwell until just days before his death.

A funeral service will be held at All Saints Church in Newmarket today at 2.15pm.

Family flowers only but donations can be given to Burwell Surgery, c/o Southgate of Newmarket Funeral Directors, 25 Duchess Drive, Newmarket, CB8 8AG.