TRIBUTES have been paid to a “family man” who helped bridge the gap between the public and the police in Harrow.

Derek Inward, 81, died following a short illness on Sunday after being taken to hospital last Thursday.

Mr Inwood was vice chairman for the Harrow Police and Community Consultative Group (HPCCG) and received an award for his work in the Borough Commander's annual commendation ceremony last year.

He was awarded for his drive and determination in supporting public engagement with the Metropolitan Police Service.

The HPCCG work towards discussing policing issues in the area including street crime, burglary, drug abuse, domestic violence and racism.

Mr Inwood's wife, Babs, said: “My Derek was 81 and I was married to him for 56 years. He was a family man with four children, four grandchildren and one great grandchild.

“He worked for Kodak for 42 years starting when he was 14 years old.

“He was also a cub scout leader for many years. He was a member of the FROGS committee (Friends of Guiding) and Wealdstone Active Community.”

Mrs Ingram added he worked as a church warden and buildings manager for the Holy Trinity Church, in Wealdstone, and worked extensively on a re-design of the church.

She added: “He will be sorely missed by family, friends and members of the community. His death was an awful shock to many people with some who didn’t even know he was in hospital.”

Daughter Sue added: “He was probably the greatest champion and a loyal supporter of everything we did.

“We had a big 80th birthday for him and we had been looking forward to celebrating his 82nd birthday in July.”

Chief Superintendent Dal Babu, borough commander for Harrow, said he was "very saddened" at the news of Mr Inwood's death.

He said: "Derek was an amazing man who made a hugely positive contribution to life in Harrow over many years.

"He was a former chair of the Harrow Police and Community Consultative Group and was still very active, particularly in the scout movement.

"Derek had been a sergeant in the Royal Engineers Regiment and, despite being 81-years-old remained an extremely active member of our community.

"Derek's wife Babs, daughters, son and grandchildren were with him when he passed away on Sunday.

"I am pleased I was able to present Derek with a Borough Commander's Commendation last year and my lasting memory of him will be of a gentleman who never spoke badly of anyone and who was admired by all who knew and met him."

Mr Inwood’s funeral will be held at the Holy Trinity Church, in High Street, in Wealdstone, on Monday (May 9) at 10.45am.

Flowers are welcome and the family have asked that any donations by members of the public be given to either The Scout Association or charity Help for Heroes.