A RETIRED former police motorcyclist who patrolled the streets of Bolton for many years was given a two-wheeled "send off" at his funeral.

Former police inspector John Hamer's funeral cortege was led by officers from a police motorcycle social club and followed police officers also on bikes.

Mr Hamer, aged 52, a long time member of the "Blue Knights"- a police social club for bikers - died last Thursday after a short illness.

The former police chief, who lived in Bolton, was in the force for 30 years until his retirement in 1995. He started his career on the "beat" in his hometown and soon transferred to the traffic unit. He was an advanced driver and a motorcycle tutor in the town for many years but served the last 11 years of his career in the records department at Greater Manchester Police's Chester House headquarters.

He is survived by his daughter Kara, aged 25, and brother, David.

Many former colleagues joined members of his family at the funeral at Overdale Crematorium yesterday.

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