SIR John Willison, who has died aged 88, was the first Chief Constable of the West Mercia Constabulary when it was established in 1967.

Sir John was Chief Constable of Worcestershire Constabulary from 1958 and was chosen to lead the new force created from the former Worcestershire, Herefordshire, Shropshire and Worcester City constabularies. The success of of the merger was due to Sir John's personal leadership and the inspiration he gave to all ranks of the new force.

Sir Geoffrey Dear, an Inspector of Constabulary, said: "In a uniformed and disciplined organisation it is very rare to have someone leading it who was loved, admired and respected. Sir John was one such person."

Sir John was awarded the OBE in 1964, the Queen's Police Medal in 1968 and was knighted on 1970. He was president of the Association of Chief Police Officers from 1969 to 1970.

He retired in 1974 and was active in a number of organisations including the CPRE, Outward Bound and as a council member of the Three Counties Agricultural Society.

A private family service was followed by cremation and a memorial service will be held at a later date to be announced.