Police formed a guard of honour today at the funeral of a well-known former officer who died aged 62 after battling leukaemia for 14 years.

Cambs Times: Police form a guard of honour as the coffin is carried into the church, followed by relatives of Jon Lenton. Picture: ROB MORRISPolice form a guard of honour as the coffin is carried into the church, followed by relatives of Jon Lenton. Picture: ROB MORRIS (Image: Archant)

Jon Lenton, of Wimblington, died at Addenbrookes Hospital on January 16. The funeral was held at St Peter’s Church in March.

Cambs Times: Police form a guard of honour as the coffin is carried into the church, followed by relatives of Jon Lenton. Picture: ROB MORRISPolice form a guard of honour as the coffin is carried into the church, followed by relatives of Jon Lenton. Picture: ROB MORRIS (Image: Archant)

Mr Lenton began his Cambridgeshire Police career in the 70s at the age of 21. He was appointed the main village bobby for Manea and continued to work around the Fens, becoming a well-known face in both the policing and criminal community.

Cambs Times: The funeral procession arrives at the church. Picture: ROB MORRISThe funeral procession arrives at the church. Picture: ROB MORRIS (Image: Archant)

His widow Chrissy said: “He was a much loved character. People came to his funeral who he arrested over the years - that was the kind of man he was.

Cambs Times: The funeral procession arrives at the church. Picture: ROB MORRISThe funeral procession arrives at the church. Picture: ROB MORRIS (Image: Archant)

“He fought leukaemia four times and in the end it got the better of him but he was a very strong man, very kind and gentle and loved by many.”

Mr Lenton began his working life in Dixons and then a camera shop in Croydon before moving to Cambridgeshire to begin a career in the police force.

On retiring he took on a job as the delivery driver with the former flower shop, Fleurtations, in Fenland Walk, March, and worked as an undertaker at George James funeral directors in town.

He loved his hobby of fishing and photography and enjoyed cooking, often making up his own recipes as he went along.

He leaves a daughter Georgia Whymark and stepchildren Matt Lenton, Steve Impey, Tracey Palmer and eight grandchildren.