HUNDREDS of people are expected to turn out to celebrate the life of a former top cop tomorrow.

Chief Insp Howard Radford spent 30 years in the police force in Worcester, Droitwich and Bromsgrove and was also well known in the worlds of horse racing, Rotary and bowls.

He died last Wednesday aged 70 following a battle with bowel and lung cancer.

"He was a wonderful, moral man and he will be so sadly missed," said his widow Lyn Radford.

Mr Radford started his policing career in Lincoln.

In 1964 he won the British Isles police dog trials with his faithful companion Lucky.

He then moved to Worcester in 1966 where he was responsible for setting up the police dog section, which he was heavily involved in before being promoted to Chief Inspector for Droitwich and Bromsgrove.

"The police force was his life," said Mrs Radford, of Moreland Road, Droitwich.

"He was very well respected."

Following his retirement from the force Mr Radford, a former president of Bromsgrove Rotary Club, became a staff manager at several racecourses, building up a reputation as a "fair boss".

He also took up bowling, going on to represent Worcestershire, as well as becoming a judge in the National Working Dog Trials.

"He was known in so many different areas and so many people liked him. I have had so many wonderful cards," added Mrs Radford.

"He was a very sociable man and a larger than life character."

Mr Radford, pictured below, lost his first wife, Margaret, more than 20 years ago, when she was killed on a pedestrian crossing.

He leaves two children, one step-daughter and five grandchildren, as well as his wife.

The funeral will take place at St Peter's Church in Droitwich from noon tomorrow, then on to St Andrew's House Hotel in Worcester Road.