Well known former Doncaster police inspector dies at 71

Inspector John Townend, who spent more than 31 years serving with South Yorkshire Police, died last month in Sheffield's Northern General Hospital.

Insp Townend retired from the force in 1996 and later became a driving theory test invigilator in Doncaster, helping hundreds of young, local drivers to pass their tests.

Based in Doncaster for a large part of his career, Insp Townend was also the face of the force's press relations in the town in the early 90s, as media liaison officer. He also worked at West Bar in Sheffield.

He was also on duty as a police constable at the Hillsborough disaster in April 1989 and was among officers whose statements were altered or amended after being criticial of senior officers on the day of the tragedy in which 96 Liverpool fans died in a crush at Sheffield Wednesday's ground.

He died on January 21 and leaves a wife Carole. He was dad to the late Richard and father in law of Julie and grandad of Daniel.

His funeral service will take place at Rose Hill Cemetery Chapel on February 15 at 2pm, followed by burial in Rose Hill Cemetery.