A LONG-serving Burnley policeman has died after a second battle with cancer.

Tributes have been paid to former PC Brian Whitham, who spent 35 years on the beat in the town.

His family has led the tributes to a ‘proud and devoted father who always had a smile on his face’.

Brian’s son, Jonathan, said: “My dad was a proud individual who really cared about his family.

"He would do anything for anyone and he will be remembered for always going out of his way for people.

“He was a really positive person and very encouraging as a father.”

Brian died on Friday at Royal Blackburn Hospital aged 55.

The grandfather-of-two from Lindsay Park, Worsthorne, had been suffering from stomach pains for four months before he underwent an operation.

During the operation doctors discovered a tumour which tests have now confirmed was cancer.

Brian fought and won a battle with non-Hodgkin lymphoma 22 years ago.

He decided not to chase promotion in the force because he did not want to sacrifice his family life. He retired in 2005.

Jonathan, 28 said: “Dad used to say that he was happy being a PC because he had seen his friends rise through the ranks and lose their family relationships by spending too much time at work.

“My dad always had a story to tell and a smile on his face. Even when he was poorly in hospital he had his sense of humour.”

Chief Inspector Jeff Brown said: “Brian was always reliable and he was extremely well liked by all of his colleagues. He will be very sadly missed.”

The former St John the Baptist School and St Theodore’s High School pupil leaves his wife Kay, children Jonathan and Natalie, 26, grandsons Noah and Luca, brother Michael, sisters Eileen and Anne plus many friends.

His funeral will be held on Monday from 10am at St John the Baptist Church, in Ivy Street, Burnley, before a short service at Burnley Cemetery.