KENT police colleagues gathered in a silent tribute at the spot where a PC lost his life when he was struck by a car that dragged him along the road in December 2000.

Seven years on from the moment that robbed Thanet police of a respected friend and policeman, a memorial service was held in Shottendane Road, Margate, where PC Jon Odell was, with other officers, carrying out routine pre-Christmas checks late at night.

A wreath was laid at the permanent marble memorial put in place in 2002 by the Police Memorial Trust, a national charity chaired by film director Michael Winner. It was followed by a short service and two minutes’ silence.

Ch Supt Peter West, commander of East Kent police, said: "Each year we commemmorate 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 many plans. He wanted to become a crash investigator and to continue with his hobbies of archery, cooking and making models. Eventually he planned to set up a garden centre.

*Donations from around the UK and abroad were made after PC Odell’s death and the memorial fund raised more than £13,000 for cancer charities.