Service for police killed on duty

Jon Odell was killed by a speeding motorist in December 2000

A memorial service to honour police officers who have died in the line of duty is being held this weekend thanks to the efforts of a Kent constable.

Joe Holness, of Kent Special Branch, campaigned for Sunday's first National Police Memorial Service after a colleague was killed by a speeding car.

The event is being held at St Paul's Cathedral, in London.

Pc Holness says the memorial is not so much for the police, but for families remembering their loved ones.

I'm hoping that this day will highlight the courage and commitment made by police officers Pc Joe Holness

Almost 4,000 police officers have died in the line of duty since the police service began in the UK.

Thirty-five from Sussex have died since 1844, while Kent Police has lost 68 officers.

The most recent was Jon Odell, who died four years ago after being hit by a motorist who refused to stop at a road check in Margate.

A man was jailed for nine years after pleading guilty to the manslaughter of the traffic officer.

Joe Holness wanted a service to remember his dead colleagues

Joe Holness has campaigned since his death for a special day to honour his dead colleagues, and the service will now become an annual event.

He said: "I don't think members of the public really understand the full dangers that police officers face.

"I'm hoping that this day will highlight the courage and commitment made by police officers."

Every chief constable in the UK is expected to be at St Paul's Cathedral on Sunday.