SENIOR officers from across the county joined family and friends to pay tribute to a popular detective at his funeral on Monday.

DC Mike Brown, of Warminster CID, died in hospital on June 2, aged 47, after a long illness.

His funeral service took place at Christ Church in his home town of Warminster after a procession to the church.

Some 60 police officers including 40 in uniform attended the service on Monday morning.

Before joining the police DC Brown had been a builder. During his police career he was based at Trowbridge, Westbury and Warminster before becoming a detective.

DS Andy Cross, of Trowbridge CID, gave the address at the funeral and spoke of his popular colleague's professionalism, dedication and great sense of humour. He said: "He was joking with a nurse just before he died."

Inspector Geoff Miles of Warminster police said: "Officers and colleagues who all knew Mike well lined the path.

"There was a guard of honour leading up to the church service at Christ Church."