THOUSANDS of pounds has been raised for a hospice in memory of a former police officer.

PC Phil Clapham, affectionately known as Clappers, served with Durham Police from 1998 until his retirement in 2015.

During his career, he received two commendations and one bravery award.

In 2014, while off duty, he confronted four men committing an armed robbery at Shotton Post Office. He chased the offenders but was threatened with a firearm so returned to the scene of the crime to look after the victims.

He was also commended for his professionalism and determination during a sensitive investigation which ensured the safeguarding of a vulnerable victim and her baby and helped secure the conviction of the defendant for rape.

Mr Clapham died last October, aged 55, after being diagnosed with a brain tumour.

On Friday, nearly 300 of his family, friends and former colleagues gathered at Shotton Hall, in Peterlee, where they raised more than £7,200 for Alice House Hospice, in Hartlepool, in his memory.

Sharon, Mr Clapham's wife of 34 years, thanked everyone who attended and supported the event.