THE funeral a former Darlington Police district commander and one-time general manager of the town’s football club is due to take place next week.

Ken Lavery worked on several high profile investigations during his time serving as the Chief Superintendent for the town.

And after retiring from Durham Police after 30 years' service, he took on roles with Darlington Football Club and the Great North Air Ambulance before heading to Lytham St Anne's to enjoy his retirement with his beloved wife, Linda.

The 76-year-old father-of-two, who passed away on Tuesday, July 30, was described as loving grandfather who 'spoilt rotten' the three youngest members of the family – Maiya, 13, nine-year-old Eva and Nancy, 7.

His daughter Anneliese said: "My father was a dedicated police officer who reached his highest rank of Chief Superintendent while working in Darlington. He retired after more than 30 years service and was involved in many high profile cases and was extremely well regarded in his role.

"My father will be remembered mostly for his dry and sarcastic sense of humour.

"He also worked as a director at Darlington football Club and after retirement worked for the Great North Air Ambulance.

"His grandchildren meant the absolute world to him and he spoilt them rotten."

And Maiya, Mr Lavery's eldest grandchild said: “My grandad was the cleverest person I know. Whenever I had homework I always knew grandad would know the answers. It wasn’t that easy though because he wouldn’t just tell me the answers he would explain things more so I could figure them out for myself.

“I always try really hard at school to make my grandad really proud. The day before he died I found out that I had received an award at school for academic achievement. My mummy told grandad whilst he was sleeping at the hospital and I know he would have been proud.

“Grandad was so kind. Every time we visited he would always have a box of treats for us and he sent us pocket money in the post every week. My little sisters, Eva and Nancy loves it when grandad envelopes arrived.

“I will miss my grandad very much. He was a very special man but I will make sure I help mummy and uncle Nick look after my nanna and their dog teddy and I am pleased he is now resting in peace and not in pain anymore. Love you always grandad. Maiya xx.”

Mr Lavery was the general manager Darlington Football Club in the years leading up to George Reynolds controversial takeover of the club in 1999.

His funeral will take place in Carleton, Lancashire on Wednesday 14 at 2pm where family and friends will meet to pay their respects.

And there will be a memorial taking place in his former local while he was living in Darlington, The Mowden, on Saturday, August 31 from 1pm.