Margate police headquarters is to be renamed in memory of PC Jon Odell.

The police officer was killed eight years ago when he was hit by a car and dargged along the road while carrying out routine pre-Christmas road checks late at night.

The main building at the Fort Hill complex overlooking the town’s historic harbour will be christened Odell House at a ceremony on Tuesday morning.

There will be a welcome by Assistant Chief Constable Gary Beautridge followed by the unveiling of a plaque by Sgt Hugh Quigley on behalf of PC Odell’s family.

Each year a wreath is laid at the permanent marble memorial at Shottendane Road in Margate where PC Odell was struck by the car. It was erected in 2002 by the Police Memorial Trust.

PC George Allum was working with PC Odell in the six-strong team on December 19, 2000. He said: "We were putting the equipment back in the van and Jon said he would do one last check. I heard him say: ‘He’s coming for me’."

PC Allum said PC Odell was a popular officer who loved his job. He wanted to become a crash investigator and continue his hobbies of archery, cooking and making models.

Wayne Rule was charged with manslaughter and sentenced to nine years. He was released in May 2006.