Tributes have been paid to a long-serving police officer who has died at the age of 45.

PC Janita Pattenden, known to friends as Jan, had fought a five-year battle against breast cancer.

Her funeral will be held with full police honours on Friday, February 20 at Rochester Baptist Church, Crow Lane.

Jan's family have revealed how Medway police chief Steve Corbishley presented her with her long-service medal while she was in her sick bed.

One hundred fellow officers visited her on that day to mark the occasion.

Her father Ken Tappenden, 70, who retired as commander of North Kent police in 1992, said: “Steve Corbishley pinned the medal on her pyjamas and we all drank champagne.”

Ch Supt Corbishley said she was an "exemplary officer".

Jan leaves a husband, Danny, and sons Harry, 10 and eight-year-old Alfie.

Danny said: “Jan was remarkable, unique, caring and strong. There was not one bad bone in her body."

Flowers, inquiries and donations if preferred to Macmillan Cancer Support (cheques only) care of T. Allen Funeral Service, 126b Maidstone Road, Rochester 01634 818120.