A BENCH in memory of a Sheppey community officer who died after a scuba diving accident has been placed outside Sheerness police station.

PC Jeanette Dennis, 49, died at Medway Maritime Hospital two days after the accident which happened at the Black Lion Leisure Centre in Gillingham on April 10.

PC Dennis, known as Jeannie, had been a policewoman for 12 years and was one of two community officers tackling the issues of youth crime on the Island patrolling Queenborough, Halfway, Rushenden and Minster.

Devastated colleagues from Swale police and Kent police headquarters in Maidstone raised £320 in donations to buy the bench which was erected by Sgt Peter Farrell and placed at the front of Sheerness police station.

A gold plaque on the bench reads 'In memory of PC Jeannie Dennis who proudly served with Kent Police Force from 22/10/90 to 12/04/02.'

A memorial service will be held at Sheerness police station for family, friends and off-duty colleagues to attend at 3pm on January 9. Anyone wishing to attend the service is invited to do so.