COLLEAGUES have paid tribute to a long-serving policeman who died a month into his retirement during a holiday in Cyprus.

PC Derek Lucas, 59, spent most of his 27 years of service in the Wear Valley division, developing close links with rural communities through such projects as Policing the Dale and Farmwatch.

He joined the police in 1977 after 14 years in the army with The Royal Corps of Transport, serving in Singapore, Brunei and Germany.

He kept up his links with the military, remaining a member of the Home Defence Force and working as a voluntary case worker with SSAFA, a national charity which supports needy servicemen and women and their families.

PC Lucas, who leaves a wife Glynis and daughters Tanya and Emma, lived in the Durham City area.

He was presented with a long-service medal in 1999 and had been praised for his work by the Chief Constable.

His former boss, Chief Inspector Graham Hall, said: "Derek was a fine police officer and the perfect gentleman.

"He was caring, compassionate and totally dedicated to the communities he served so well.

"He was very proud to serve as a police constable in Durham Constabulary and completed his role in the finest traditions of the service.

"He will be sadly missed by his friends and colleagues who will remember his with deep affection."

Dave Robinson, secretary of Durham Police Federation, said: "Derek was a superb officer who served the dales communities in the finest tradition of the police service.

"He was an old-style copper who was respected by the public and respected them in return. All he wanted was to serve the community."

PC Lucas' body was to be flown back from Cyprus yesterday. No date for his funeral has been arranged.