A CITY centre came to a standstill as the funeral cortege of a popular County Durham policeman wound its way through the cobbled streets.

PC Gavin Smith was given a full police funeral at Durham Cathedral where about 30 fellow officers formed a guard of honour for his coffin, draped in the Union Flag with his hat poignantly placed on top.

The father, from Bishop Auckland, was well-known for his appearance on Channel 5 TV series Police Interceptors.

Known to pals as Gav, he died aged 34 from cancer, surrounded by loved ones in the comfort of his own home.

Speaking after the funeral, Inspector Ed Turner, of the Roads Policing Unit (RPU), said: “It’s a huge honour for us to pay tribute to Gav in such a beautiful scene and in an environment which really showcases his life.

We had a superb opportunity where there was a standing ovation and applause for him during the service. 

“And that’s what he wanted - he lived life to the full and we really wanted to send him out. It’s an honour for us as police officers from a relatively small team to come together and celebrate his life.”

PC Smith’s dying wish was to have a police funeral. Officers and friends granted his request. His colleagues from the RPU followed the hearse in vehicles and on bikes from Bishop Auckland to Durham City.

As the convoy made its way through the Market Place, police officers joined and lined the route to the Palace Green.

Outside Durham Cathedral at 10.30am the bells rang out and pipes sounded through the silent square as his coffin was carried inside.

Two of the pallbearers were force colleagues Sgt Kev Salter and Sgt Phil Stainthorpe.

About 250 people attended the ceremony led by Canon David Kennedy from Durham Cathedral.

Originally from Whitley Bay, PC Smith, went to Monkseaton Community High School and later gained a BA in Sports Studies and Physical Education at York St John University.

He joined Durham Constabulary in August 2004 and served in the south of the county, beginning his career in Spennymoor and then moving between Barnard Castle, Newton Aycliffe and Bishop Auckland, where he covered as acting sergeant.

PC Smith moved to the Road Policing Unit based in Spennymoor in January 2016.

The 34-year-old had been undergoing treatment for cancer which had spread to his spine.

He was treated at James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough but was allowed to return home, where he passed away.

PC Smith leaves behind his wife, Kezi, and four-year-old daughter, Tilly.

At the time of his death, his widow said: “It has been a real comfort to both me and Tilly that he was so well regarded by so many. We will both miss him so very much.”

After he died, officers changed profile pictures on social media to a blue flame and his collar number.