A funeral service for a well-known retired policeman will take place at Otley All Saints’ Parish Church tomorrow.

Arthur Deakin, better known as Archie, died at Harrogate District Hospital on Tuesday, January 11, aged 72.

Many other retired police officers are expected to pay their respects at the service, which is at 11.30am and will be followed by a private cremation.

PC David Robinson, of Otley Police Station, is one of the few current officers left who worked with Mr Deakin during his many years serving the town.

He said: “In a time when the ‘local Bobby’ knew everyone and everything, Archie Deakin was a well-known and respected local officer who dedicated many years to making a positive difference to the community where he both worked and lived.

“A familiar face, both in uniform or whilst out walking his dog, he gave the community the positive, old-style policing that West Yorkshire Police is striving to recreate with its local Neighbourhood Policing Team.”

Mr Deakin leaves a wife, Barbara, son Richard, daughter-in-law Sue, and grandchildren Joel and Sam.

Donations in Mr Deakin’s memory will be accepted at the church for the Royal National Institute for the Blind.