A FORMER Bolton police chief who was awarded the Queen's Police Medal for his service has died in hospital.

Former Chief Supt Bert Hoy - a police officer for 34 years - died at the Royal Bolton Hospital at the weekend after a long illness.

Mr Hoy, aged 77, started his career with the old Bolton Borough Police in 1946 after war service with the RAF. He retired in 1980 as head of Oldham Police.

During his years in Bolton he became the town's first crime prevention officer, served as second in command of Bolton CID and in 1970 became second in command of the Bolton based No 4 District Task Force.

He received the Queen's Police Medal in 1981 in recognition of what the citation described as his excellent contribution to the "betterment of the lives of his colleagues and the citizens of Greater Manchester".

Mr Hoy is survived by his wife, Lily, daughter, Barbara and son, Brian. His funeral will be held at Overdale West Chapel on Thursday.

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