A FORMER policeman who had the distinction of serving as a sergeant in two forces has died at the age of 84.

Bill Kyle, from Crook, devoted much of his working life to police and military service.

Born the second of seven sons in Omagh, Northern Ireland, he was with the Royal Engineers at the start of the Second World War, then later joined the Peace Keeping Force in Palestine in 1942.

After he left as a sergeant in 1948, he returned to his roots, spending a year with the Royal Ulster Constabulary before meeting his wife, Flo, at Bowes, in Teesdale, and moving to County Durham.

The couple had four children David, Dorothy, Barbara and Susan. Until recently, David and son-in-law David Morallee, were also both policemen with the Durham force.

Mr Kyle retired in 1974 after working mainly in the Crook and Willington area, including a spell as beat officer in Witton Park.

Mr Kyle later worked as a security officer on the Tyne-Tees Tunnelling project. He was a member of the Royal British Legion and served as vice-chairman of his local branch.

A keen gardener and walker, he was well-known and respected in the Crook area. Members of the Palestine Police Old Comrades Association are expected to join mourners at his funeral tomorrow in St Catherine's Church, Crook, at 2pm.

Mr Kyle's daughter Barbara said: "He had a full and interesting life. He was a committed policeman and a very caring man and we are all very proud of him."

In late 1990s, Mr Kyle was reunited with his brother, David, who he had not seen since they were separated during the war. David had moved to New Zealand, and travelled to England for a reunion.