THE funeral service of Police Inspector Colin Heselton was held at St John the Baptist Church, Ruardean, yesterday – only six weeks after he was married there.

Inspector Heselton, aged 59, who had been suffering from myeloma, a rare form of bone marrow cancer for four years, was married to his partner Victoria, by the Rev Nick Bromfield, who also conducted yesterday’s funeral service.

The funeral cortege through the streets of Ruardean was given a guard of honour by two mounted officers from Avon and Somerset Police. Gloucestershire Police were also represented.

Born near Stow on the Wold, Colin Heselton had a varied police career with the Gloucestershire force for 35 years, moving through the ranks from cadet to constable and from sergeant to inspector.

He served in a number of areas in the county including Stroud, Cirencester, Ruardean, Newent, Cinderford and Coleford and the county traffic operations HQ at Bamfurlong.

When he retired in 2008, he went to work as a contingency planning manager for the Avon and Somerset force until recently.

His duties over the years ranged widely and included Royal Household Protection, carrying firearms on duty, traffic operations planning and even liaising with the United States Air Force at its Fairford base.”

He was also involved in the emergencies of both the Gloucestershire floods of 2007 and the Somerset Levels floods of 2013/14.

His widow Victoria said: “Colin was a quiet, unassuming man, but he liked things done properly and he absolutely loved his job and was very proud to be a policeman.

“He especially liked to be out talking to people and the number of cards and letters I have received speaks of the respect with which he was held.

“We got married in Ruardean Church six weeks ago on a lovely warm sunny day and it was actually a very happy occasion.”

The Rev Nick Bromfield said: “Colin was a very humble and unassuming man and wore his skills and experience very lightly. He was very likeable for that reason.”

He is survived by his widow Victoria and a son Robert ‘Bobby’.

Donations can be made to Myeloma UK and the Great Oaks Hospice and should be sent to Roger Barnard, Funeral Director, 88 Littledean Hill Road, Cinderford, GL14 2BL.