A FORCE has remembered one of its officers on the anniversary of his death.

PC Jonathan Green, tragically lost his life in a car crash as he drove home from work at Barnard Castle Police Station, 15 years ago.

Mr Green, who was known to his friends and colleagues as Johnny, was only 23 when he lost his life.

In a tribute, his colleagues said: “Johnny was always so full of energy and happy with a positive attitude and outlook on life. He was extremely passionate about policing and thoroughly enjoyed serving his rural communities in the Wear and Tees area. For those fortunate to have known him they will always remember Johnny’s enormous smile, his sense of humour and his infectious laugh making it an absolute pleasure to work with him."

"His death was a sudden and tragic loss to us all at Durham Constabulary.”

Johnny’s parents, Alan and Lynn, and sister Michelle pay tribute to Johnny every year by visiting his memorial bench at police headquarters which was bought by his shift in his honour.

The bench was originally placed outside the old Barnard Castle Police Station, but was moved to headquarters at Aykley Heads, in Durham, where it takes pride of place in the force’s memorial garden.