A POLICE chief last night paid tribute to a popular senior officer who has died only two years after retiring.

John Guest, of Chester-le-Street, who gave almost 40-years service to Durham Police, died after a short illness on Monday.

He served throughout the north and east of the force area, working his way up to the rank of chief superintendent in charge of the operations division, a post he held for five years.

Born at Hardwick Hall, then a maternity home in Sedgefield, his first service was at the nearby Hardwick Army Camp at the age of 16 as a police cadet.

He went on the beat in Seaham in 1966, and subsequently served in Houghton-le-Spring, prior to re-organisation in 1974, and in Chester-le-Street, Durham, Stanley and Peterlee.

Mr Guest was also seconded for a stint with the force training department and was also career development officer based at its HQ.

Following his retirement, in February 2002, he was actively involved in fundraising for St Cuthbert's RC Primary School, Chester-le-Street, and worked as a volunteer for Victim Support.

He was also a member of the standards committee for Chester-le-Street District Council, scrutinising the role of councillors.

A regular fell walker, he maintained a life-long interest in sport and was a regular spectator at the town's cricket club.

Chief constable Paul Garvin said Mr Guest was widely respected and news of his untimely death had been felt across the whole of the force.

"John had a quiet authority, reinforced by his vast experience and understanding of all aspects of policing. He was affable, approachable and his wise counsel was greatly valued by all those who knew him," said Mr Garvin.

Mr Guest leaves a wife, Linda. His children, Andrew and Louise, followed in their father's footsteps and are serving officers in Durham Police.

A funeral service will be held at St Cuthbert's RC Church, in Ropery Lane, Chester-le-Street, tomorrow, at 10am, followed by a brief service at Durham Crematorium an hour later.

Neither service will be private, and all are welcome.

There is a request for family flowers only, but donations can be made to Cancer Research.