FAMILY and friends will gather at Rochester Cathedral today for a memorial service celebrating the life and work of a senior Kent police officer.

David McCann, one of the the county's assistant chief constables, died in hospital on July 17 after suffering a heart attack at his home in Higham, near Gravesend. He was 41.

Kent's Chief Constable Mike Fuller will read a tribute at the service being conducted by the cathedral's acting Dean, Canon Jonathan Meyrick.

Deputy chief constable Jim Barker-McCardle will also speak at the ceremony, due to begin at noon, on behalf of Mr McCann's family, including his wife and two children. The Kent Police Choir willl also be present.

A private funeral service was held at St John the Evangelist Church in Parrock Street on July 29.

Mr McCann joined Kent Police in 1984 and was promoted to ACC just eight months before his death. He was also Medway Police Commander for two years between 1998 - 2000.

Four books of condolence have been compiled for the family, containing tributes to Mr McCann and messages of support and sympathy. The Chief Constable has described Mr McCann as an officer of "the highest calibre" who made a significant contribution to policing during his 20 years service.

He also helped develop the intelligence-led policing model, headed up Special Branch and, as one of three Assistant Chief Constables, was responsible for all areas of specialist support including counter terrorism, intelligence and serious crime investigation.