One of the most popular characters in Shoreham has died after a long battle against cancer.

PC Tony Hughes was a familiar face to everyone in the town centre and spent most of his career working there.

He was transferred to Hove for several months in the late Nineties, where he was made acting sergeant before moving back to Shoreham.

Mr Hughes was diagnosed with throat cancer two years ago but operations and further treatment failed and he died on Friday.

His wife Gill was being comforted by relatives at their home in Upper Beeding, near Steyning.

Sergeant Ian Cooke, of Shoreham police, said: "He was very well known in the town and was popular with his colleagues and residents.

"Tony will be sadly missed and our thoughts are with his wife Gill."