TRIBUTES have been paid to a police chief who has died.

Terry Romeanes, a retired Chief Superintendent and a former Assistant Chief Constable of Cleveland Police, died at the Butterwick Hospice, in Stockton, on Tuesday aged 58.

During his 37-year police service, he was commander at Stockton, Hartlepool and Middlesbrough, and headed several headquarters departments.

Middlesbrough Mayor Ray Mallon, said he owed a great debt to Mr Romeanes, who, as representative of the Superintendents' Association, stood by ex-Detective Superintendent Mr Mallon.

He supported him when he was first suspended as head of Middlesbrough CID in the wake of the Operation Lancet inquiry into allegations of police misconduct.

Mr Mallon said: "I owe a great deal to Terry Romeanes as, throughout my time as a police officer, he was there to offer help and advice.

"He was a commonsense copper whose priority was the public and he supported me in developing what became known as Zero Tolerance policing."

Mr Romeanes' friend, retired Chief Superintendent Geoff Lee, said: "Terry was my dearest friend. He faced his illness with determination and strength of character, that in my view would be difficult to surpass.

"To Terry, friendship was extremely important. It signified trust and especially loyalty. There are many former colleagues who owe him a huge debt of gratitude.

"His family were extremely proud of his achievements and offer their sincerest thanks to the Butterwick Hospice.''

Detective Supt John Kelly of Cleveland Police said Mr Romeanes was "well known and respected throughout the region for his work.''

His funeral will be held in St Cuthbert's RC Church, Yarm Road, Stockton, on Monday.