TOWN crier and well-known policeman Bill Snelling made his final journey through the streets of High Wycombe as hundreds gathered to pay tribute.

A funeral procession made its way from High Wycombe Police Station to All Saints Parish Church, past market stalls and along the streets which Sgt Snelling had patrolled for many years.

Relatives, friends and colleagues packed out the church to pay their final respects to Sgt Snelling, who died while scuba-diving in Spain on June 1.

Police officers, High Wycombe Mayor Nigel Vickery, Wycombe district councillors and members of the RAF were among those present who heard Supt Roger Young give a eulogy to a friend and colleague.

He said: "Some of us here today can't believe he's gone. I can only think that God needed a new town centre sergeant in Heaven and he's got one of the best."

Supt Young added: "If that's true, it won't be quiet up there. Those celestial market traders will, at this moment, be chased to clear up their litter.

"And those that leave their clouds carelessly parked will be told to move them now."

He said Sgt Snelling had traditional values. He could sometimes be difficult but all people needed to do was give him some time and he would return it.

Supt Young said: "He was honest, he told the truth, he did what was promised. With Bill, what you saw was what you got."

He said Sgt Snelling was also a devoted family man, who was so proud of his children and grandchildren.

"But it's just his beloved Anne who can see that young fresh-faced Bill when they fell in love," Supt Young said.

One of Sgt Snelling's favourite hymns, Onward Christian Soldiers, was sung, while a song special to Bill and Anne, Wind Beneath My Wings, was played as Sgt Snelling's body was processed out of the church for a private cremation.