FAMILY, friends and colleagues of Community Support Officer, James Price, have paid their final respects during his funeral service in Kidderminster.

Mourners filled Trinity Methodist Church, the same church attended by the CSO, who died in a road accident on January 12.

Two police motorcycles escorted the funeral cortege along the Horsefair and four police officers and community support officers carried his coffin into the church as the congregation sang the hymn, My Jesus, My Saviour.

The moving service was led by Rev Mary Austin, who described Mr Price as a "good old fashioned bobby on the beat".

She said: "He was a young man with a great deal to give in friendship, support, love and care. He cared for his family. James's weakness was that he could not say no but that became his strength.

"He lived a full and varied life and has left a lasting mark in the lives of all who knew him."

She added: "James loved his work. He was popular in the community and with his colleagues.

"James was a family person and was a wonderful dad to Adam, 4 and Aewen, 2. There was always fun when he was around. He was very much a family person."

Family and close friends of CSO Price wept as pictures of him tracing his life from his days as a young boy right up until his death were projected across a screen to the sound of music.

Police officers and his fellow community support officers came out in force to pay their respects to their colleague and Sgt Chris Aimes paid tribute to CSO Price through a reading.

North Worcestershire police divisional commander, Chief Supt Dave Spencer and Assistant Chief Constable Peter Wright saluted the coffin as it left the church.

Around 50 police officers and community support officers formed a guard of honour as the cortege was escorted by two police motorcycles to the chapel of rest.

Donations in memory of CSO Price will go towards a memorial fund for his children or to the Roadpeace charity.