Police colleagues formed a guard of honour as mourners packed a village church for the funeral of Det Con Andy Eley, killed on the railway line near Herne Bay.

The funeral cortege was escorted to St Mary’s in Minster, Thanet, on Tuesday by three police motorbike outriders, followed by widow Linda and their children Nicholas, Victoria and Harry.

On arrival, a dozen officers in ceremonial uniform received the coffin, draped with the Kent Police flag and family flowers. Some acted as pall bearers to carry it into the church for the private service.

Dozens of officers were among nearly 100 mourners paying their last respects to their 43-year-old colleague who died last month after being hit by a train at Broadley crossing near Reculver.

Det Con Eley had served 21 years with Kent Police in Thanet.

He was described as a "reliable, honest and friendly family man with a good sense of humour."

A trust fund has since been set up for his children and donations can be made through funeral directors WS Cole and Son of Monkton on 01843 821253.