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Flood death officer laid to rest Flood death officer laid to rest
(about 1 hour later)
Hundreds of people are attending the funeral of a Cumbria Police officer who died while helping others during last week's floods. Hundreds of people have attended the funeral of a Cumbria Police officer who died while helping others during last week's floods.
Pc Bill Barker had gone to the aid of a motorist on Northside Bridge in Workington when it collapsed.Pc Bill Barker had gone to the aid of a motorist on Northside Bridge in Workington when it collapsed.
The hearse was escorted to St Mary and St Michael's Church in his home town of Egremont by motorcyclists from the force's roads policing unit.The hearse was escorted to St Mary and St Michael's Church in his home town of Egremont by motorcyclists from the force's roads policing unit.
Ten officers made a guard of honour as the coffin was carried into the church.Ten officers made a guard of honour as the coffin was carried into the church.
'Brave man' It was draped with a union jack with Pc Barker's helmet on top.
It was draped with a union jack flag with Pc Barker's helmet on top.
Six officers and close personal friends acted as pallbearers.Six officers and close personal friends acted as pallbearers.
Pc Barker had been with the Cumbria force for 25 years Sad day
The service is being attended by hundreds of friends and colleagues as well as family members. The service was attended by hundreds of friends and colleagues as well as family members.
Mourners lined the streets of the town as the cortege passed.Mourners lined the streets of the town as the cortege passed.
Following the service conducted by Reverend Richard Lee, there will be an interment at Egremont Cemetery. During the ceremony the Reverend Richard Lee, said: "Family, friends, colleagues, neighbours and those who knew him from afar have come together united in grief for the loss of someone special.
Pc Barker was described by the prime minister as a "heroic, very brave man who died trying to save the lives of others". Pc Barker was described as a dedicated officer
"He affected people in so many ways."
Witnesses said the father-of-four had gone to the aid of a car on Northside Bridge when it collapsed on 20 November.Witnesses said the father-of-four had gone to the aid of a car on Northside Bridge when it collapsed on 20 November.
His body was later found on a beach 10 miles away, on the ever of his 45th birthday. His body was later found on a beach 10 miles away, on the eve of his 45th birthday.
After the funeral, Chief Constable Craig Mackey, said: "Today is a very sad day.
"Cumbria Police has lost a dedicated and committed officer who spent 25 years serving the community of Cumbria.
"He was clearly more than just a police officer, and the thoughts of everyone in the constabulary are with [his wife] Hazel, his four children and family and friends."
Ray Cole, Chair of Cumbria Police Authority, said: "It was a privilege, pleasure and honour to work with Bill in my former role as an officer with the force.
"He was greatly respected by all his colleagues, a dedicated officer and family man, and a true professional who loved his career.
"He was an ambassador for the constabulary and will be missed by everybody."
Following the church ceremony, there was a private burial service at Egremont Cemetery.