POPULAR town crier and police officer Bill Snelling has died while on holiday in Ibiza.

Det Sgt Snelling collapsed on Friday after scuba diving on the island where he was holidaying with wife Ann.

High Wycombe Mayor Nigel Vickery said: "I'm still in shock. He was a great servant to the town, not only in his role as town crier but also through his police work.

"I was looking forward to him being town crier for many years. I am sure the whole town will join his family in mourning."

The 50-year-old Yorkshireman joined Thames Valley Police in 1985 and spent most of his career working in the High Wycome and Amersham areas.

Most recently he started work with the Family Protection Unit at Marlow.

Superintendent David Belcher, head of the unit, said: "We are all devastated to learn of this tragic news.

"His experience and professionalism will be a great loss both to his colleagues and also to those he worked with in other caring agencies."

Det Sgt Snelling was well known for being outspoken and on one occasion ripped up a police report in front of 50 officers at a Police Federation meeting saying: "Reading that report stinks of one thing and one thing only, the cash register."

As well as being High Wycombe town crier for civic engagements he also put everything into combating crime in High Wycombe as town centre officer, which he undertook for two-and-a-half years.

Det Sgt Snelling once hitched a lift on a train in true crime fighting style to chase three suspected burglars running away down a railway line.

The grandfather-of-two received two Chief Constable commendations during his career for his courage, commitment and compassion in the police service.

Former chairman of Wycombe District Council David Cox said: "He took part in every civic service in the town.

"He's been a great figure in the town. I'm really sorry as there was a splendid man who was recognised by a lot of people in Wycombe and he was a major community figure.

"As an ex-chairman I'm very sad to hear this news and I have great feelings for his family."

Chiltern Vale Police Superintendent Mick Doyle paid tribute to Det Sgt Snelling's work in High Wycombe.

He said: "Bill will leave a lasting memory with all those at High Wycombe who were privileged to meet him during his time as a local officer.

"He will be much missed by all those who admired him inside and outside the police force.

"Our hearts go out to his family."

Det Sgt Snelling leaves wife Ann, daughter Hazel, son-in-law Peter, son Paul, daughter-in-law Julie and two granddaughters Harley, four and Amanda, three.