ONE of Worcestershire's best known and most popular police chiefs of the last 50 years, Sir John Willison, has died aged 88.

When Sir John was chief constable of the former Worcestershire Constabulary, it was said he knew the christian name of every officer and often of their wives and children too.

In 1967, he became the first chief constable of the newly-created West Mercia Constabulary, an amalgamation of the Worcester City, Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Shropshire police forces.

The success of the merger was credited to Sir John's personal leadership and inspiration.

Always affable and approachable, his genial manner belied a keen police brain and he masterminded many significant improvements in methods, procedure and equipment.

In a tribute, Sir Geoffrey Dear, a former chief constable of the West Midlands and 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."

"Sandy" Willison, as he was affectionately known, came to Worcestershire in 1958, after a period of six years as chief constable of the former Scottish police force of Berwick, Roxburgh and Selkirk. He began his career with the City of London Police in 1933.

He served with the Royal Navy from 1943-45 on cruisers and minesweepers.

Sir John received the OBE in 1964, the Queen's Police Medal in 1968 and was Knighted in 1970. He was president of the Association of Chief Police Officers in 1969-70.

He retired in 1974 was active in a number of organisations, including the CPRE and the Three Counties Agricultural Show Society. His wife Jess predeceased him.

Sir John, died peacefully at his home at the weekend. A private family service will be followed by cremation.