AN award-winning police officer, who served in County Durham for 25 years, has died.

William Owens was born in West Cornforth in April, 1922 and was a miner before joining the police in 1949.

He spent his whole police career in Ferryhill, where he lived, including a stretch as the beat officer in the Dean Bank area.

During his time in the police service he was commended three times by the Chief Constable for excellent work - in 1958, 1964 and 1969.

All three awards related to the arrest and conviction of criminals involved in various thefts.

In 1971 he was awarded a police long service and good conduct medal for his dedication to the Ferryhill area. He retired three years later.

Mr Owens, who remained a police constable throughout his career, died on Friday.

He leaves his wife, Elizabeth, daughter Penelope, son-in-law Harry and grandchildren Sim-on and Jonathan.

A funeral service will be held at St Luke' Church, Ferryhill, tomorrow, at 1.15pm, followed by a cremation at Durham Crematorium.

Donations have been invited for the British Heart Foundation.