POLICE colleagues and community leaders have paid tribute following the death of a popular beat bobby from Kidderminster who lost his battle with leukaemia.

PC Christopher Greaves, who came from the Marlpool area of the town and was the local officer for Comberton and Offmore from 2003-4, died on June 24, aged 34.

He had been battling leukaemia since 2004 and was gearing up for a return to work after receiving the all-clear following a bone marrow transplant last year.

However, his condition suddenly deteriorated at the beginning of May when he was told he had only months left to live. He married his partner Andrea later that month after they decided to bring forward their wedding plans from September.

His wife, who he had known since school days but only got together with four years ago, said: "Chris was a good person who wanted to do right by everybody. He was totally dedicated to his profession, easy to talk to and if there was a situation he could diffuse things easily. He was very good at that.

"When he was told his fate he accepted it with no anger or bitterness. He knew what was coming and was very, very brave."

PC Greaves attended Marlpool First School, Franche Middle School and Wolverley High School - all Kidderminster. After finishing his education he initially spent eight years in the Army with the Royal Engineers and was a Gulf War veteran.

He joined West Midlands Police in 2000 and was a beat officer in Quinton before transferring to West Mercia Constabulary in March 2003. He served the last three years with the North Worcestershire Division, based at Kidderminster.

Chief Insp Jim Baker, of West Mercia Police, said: "Chris was a dedicated and well liked colleague who worked tremendously hard for the people of Wyre Forest. He will be missed by his colleagues and many friends in the community."

A police funeral was held at St Mary's Church, Kidderminster, on Wednesday at 2pm followed by a service at Stourbridge Crematorium for the family, and a gathering at Franche Village Club, Wolverley. The family requested any donations for Leukaemia Care to be made via Harris Funeral Directors of Crane Street, Kidderminster.