A police station in Kent has been renamed in memory of an officer who was killed as he carried out pre-Christmas road checks almost eight years ago.

The building on Fort Hill, Margate, was christened Odell House on Tuesday as a lasting tribute to PC Jon Odell.

The 30-year-old was working on Shottendane Road, Margate, in December 2000 when he was struck by a car and dragged along the road.

Friends and former colleagues gathered for a short ceremony outside the building, which reopened in May following an extensive refit.

Asst Ch Const Gary Beautridge, who opened the ceremony, described PC Odell as "kind, gentle and humble" officer.

~ Audio: Listen to Asst Ch Const Gary Beautridge talking to kmfm's Martin Jefferies about PC Jon Odell >>>

He said: "Jon grew up in Suffolk with his family and enjoyed being by the sea - which is why he loved being part of the team in Thanet.

"This is a fitting tribute for a fine, upstanding officer who paid the ultimate sacrifice for making Kent such a safe place."

A commemorative plaque was also unveiled by Insp Hugh Quigley, who was working with PC Odell at the time of the tragedy.

He added: "His death really brought home how difficult this job can be, and how such simple tasks can have fatal consequences."

Odell House is the police station's second permanent memorial to PC Odell. In 2002, a marble monument was erected at the spot where he was struck by the car.