Staff praised after PC Tom Clough funeral at Kirkleatham

From council staff and grounds workers to funeral organisers and café employees, tributes have been paid to the people who worked tirelessly to prepare the site for the emotional service, which brought together family, friends, colleagues and members of the public.

Redcar and Cleveland Council said it had agreed without hesitation to a request for the it to be used for the officer's funeral, allowing family, friends, colleagues and members of the public to come together to celebrate his life.

Councillor Alec Brown, who represents Kirkleatham, said Co-op Funeralcare called him two weeks ago to ask whether the council would allow the funeral at the site.

(Image: STUART BOULTON)

In a Facebook post he said: "There was, of course, no hesitation in agreeing."

Cllr Brown praised council staff, from events teams arranging the funeral to grounds workers preparing the gardens.

He said: "The lads and ladies out cutting the grass, preparing the grounds, keeping the site immaculate, moving equipment, sorting the practical details and making sure every corner of the venue was befitting of the occasion. Every single one of you has played a part."

(Image: STUART BOULTON)

He also praised residents who lined the streets for Tom’s final journey.

The councillor said: "The wonderful people of Redcar and Cleveland lining the roads, standing quietly in respect as Tom made his final journey, showed exactly what kind of community we are.

"Many of whom never knew Tom personally, but wanted to show their gratitude for his service and their support for his family and colleagues."

(Image: STUART BOULTON)

Among those attending the funeral was Redcar MP Anna Turley, who described the turnout as "truly incredible".

In a post on her Facebook page she said: "Huge numbers of local people joined his police and army colleagues in a fitting display of respect and gratitude for his service.

"It was an honour to join Tom's family, friends and colleagues to remember him, and to pay the respects of the people of Redcar and Cleveland."

Ms Turley said the service revealed the man behind the uniform.

"The service gave us an insight into the funny, loyal, brave and kind person Tom was. We learnt of the enormous love so many had for him and the deep respect in which he was held throughout all the different roles he had held in public service.

She added: "Tom served our country and our communities with commitment and courage. His service will never be forgotten."

(Image: STUART BOULTON)

(Image: STUART BOULTON)

The Kirkleatham Walled Garden Café team also paid tribute to PCs Tom Clough and Matthew Blades, saying recent days had shown the immense respect for both officers.

In a statement, they said: "Our hearts go out to you, your families, loved ones and colleagues following such an unimaginable tragedy.

"Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for your service and for everything you have given to our community."

The café team worked with the council, police and organisers to prepare the venue for the funeral.

"It has been a privilege for us to play even the smallest part in that," the statement said.

"A huge thank you goes to every single person who has worked tirelessly behind the scenes, given their time, offered their help or contributed in any way to making today as special and dignified as possible for Tom's loved ones, friends and colleagues."

PC Tom Clough and PC Matthew Blades were killed in the line of duty on the A66 when their marked police car was hit head-on by a vehicle travelling the wrong way on Saturday, August 22.

His coffin, draped in the Union Jack and surrounded by flowers, was carried down Plantation Road as the cortege travelled towards the private service.

Before joining Cleveland Police, PC Clough served in the military, the Civil Nuclear Constabulary and the British Transport Police.