A FORMER Kidderminster police inspector has died, aged 47, following a brave battle against cancer.

Kevin Bentley died surrounded by his family at his Herefordshire home on Sunday, August 13.

His life was due to be celebrated, with police honours, at Hereford Cathedral, followed by a family service and interment at Breinton Church just outside the city yesterday.

He began his career with West Mercia Constabulary as a police cadet, becoming a constable and then progressing to the role of detective constable in Herefordshire's drugs unit.

Mr Bentley was promoted to sergeant in 1992, eventually becoming an inspector before his spell as a geographic inspector at Kiddermin-ster.

In 2001, he transferred to the force's headquarters near Worcester where, as head of intelligence, he was responsible for developing West Mercia's lead position nationally in delivering intelligence-led policing.

He became Head of CID and was promoted to detective chief superin-tendent in 2003 before becoming Divisional Commander for Here-fordshire.