POLICE officers killed in the line of duty including fallen heroes from North Yorkshire will be remembered later today at a poignant ceremony at York Minster.

More than 2,000 people - including 40 chief constables, other serving officers and the relatives of those who have died - are due to attend the annual National Police Memorial Day service which pays tribute to officers killed on duty throughout the UK.

Prayers will be read by the Home Secretary, Theresa May, and the chief constable of Greater Manchester Police, Sir Peter Fahy.

Many members of the police force killed in our region will be remembered including: - Special constable Glenn Goodman, who was shot dead on the A64 just outside the town on June 7, 1992, by an IRA gunman - PC Rob Ingram, killed in a collision responding to an urgent incident in North Yorkshire in 1993 - PC David Haigh and PS David Winter murdered by triple murderer Barry Prudom in 1982 - PC Keith Summerbell, killed in a collision in North Yorkshire training to be a police motor cyclist in 1982 The two police officers shot dead in a grenade and gun attack in Greater Manchester - PCs Nicola Hughes and Fiona Bone - will also be among those remembered.

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tastecard.co.uk/FreeTrialYork Pre-Paid Funeral Plans Funeral Plans - Plan Today With The UK's Largest Independent Provider www.GoldenCharter.co.uk Also being remembered is PC David Rathband, who died in February. He was left blind after being shot in the face by the fugitive, Raoul Moat - while sitting in his patrol car on the outskirts of Newcastle upon Tyne, in July 2010.

The service will start at 2.30pm at the Minster, with people expected to be seated by 1:30pm.

The service will be led by the Archbishop of York , Dr John Sentamu who said: "We should never forget the work of our police service in our society - protecting citizens, preserving the peace and serving others in difficult situations. "It is right that we pay tribute to their heroism and sacrifice in the line of duty. We should be proud of our police and honour those that have fallen."

The Lord Mayor of York, Coun Keith Hyman , and the Lady Mayoress will be among those attending.

The annual event aims to remember police officers who have been killed or died on duty, to demonstrate to relatives, friends and colleagues of fallen officers that their sacrifice is not forgotten, and to recognise annually the dedication to duty and courage displayed by police officers.

During the modern policing era, which stretches back over 180 years, more than 4,000 officers have been killed in the line of duty.

A total of seven have died this year.

The event was founded by Sgt Joe Holness of Kent Police, in response to the killing in 2000 of PC Jon Odell - who was fatally wounded when a car hit him as he carried out traffic checks.

Memorial patron Prince Charles said: "This day of commemoration is a way for the nation to recognise the best of all human qualities - selfless and devoted courage - and the example and valour of those officers who died on duty should act as an inspiration to us all.

"The annual Memorial Service is a poignant and timely reminder of the true meaning of public service and the high price which is too often paid by officers and their families for that service. It is a day of mixed emotions - of agonizing sadness, but of enormous pride in the British Police Service and the officers who make it as special and admired as it is."

Paul McKeever, chairman of the Police Federation of England and Wales, said: “This day is a way for the nation to recognise the best of all human qualities – selfless and devoted courage – and the example and valour of those officers who died on duty acts as an inspiration to us all.”