Today marks 19 years since a popular young policeman was killed in a hit-and-run in Margate.

PC Jon Odell was killed on this day in 2000, at the age of 30.

He had been on duty in Shottendane Road, at a static traffic point, when a speeding driver hit and killed him.

Wayne Rule was charged with manslaughter following the incident, and was sentenced to nine years in prison. He was released in May 2006.

A permanent marble memorial to PC Odell's memory was erected at the site of the crash in 2002 by the Police Memorial Trust.

In November 2008, Margate police headquarters main building was renamed Odell House in memory of the officer.

Speaking in 2007, Ch Supt Peter West said: "Each year we commemorate the life and work of Jon Odell. It is important for us as a service, and for those colleagues who were working with him the night he died, and those who still serve in Thanet.

"Many people have fond memories of Jon.

"What happened to him underlines the risks that officers take every day when they are out on the streets serving the public.

"Jon was not a firearms officer, or involved in any dangerous operation. He was merely going about routine police work when he was killed. We will continue to celebrate Jon’s life each year."

PC Odell had planned to become a crash investigator and to continue with his hobbies of archery, cooking and making models. He had hoped to eventually set up a garden centre.

Read more: All the latest news from Thanet