The widow of a police detective whose death sparked outcry over new force sick leave rules is to collect a coveted award on his behalf.

Detective Constable Hugh Brady died from heart failure brought on by a viral infection in March.

But as revealed in Saturday's Telegraph & Argus, his widow Christine believes he might have survived if he had taken more time off duty to recover.

Mum-of-four Christine said the 44-year-old was worried about new legislation which dictates that officers cannot be promoted or transferred to other departments if they exceed a set number of sick days over a given period.

Mrs Brady, of Oakworth, Keighley, is considering taking legal action against the West Yorkshire force and has called for the controversial "attendance criteria" rules to be abolished.

Today it was revealed that she is to collect a force commendation on her late husband's behalf for his work on a major murder investigation.

Det Con Brady, a police officer for 11 years, had been part of the team which investigated the fatal stabbing of 21-year-old plumber Mark Web-ster at a pub in Addingham last April. The inquiry led to 37-year-old chef Leroy Griffith being found guilty of murder and jailed for life.

Hundreds of mourners flocked to Det Con Brady's funeral and tributes have flooded in to his widow and four children, aged between 11 and 23.

His best friend Gary Moorby, head coach of the Keighley Cougars, said: "He loved his job and his family and was a fun-loving, hard working guy.

"You couldn't have asked for a better friend and he really cared about what he did."

He added: "If this new rule did have an impact on what happened it would be an absolute tragedy."

Mrs Brady said: "He was so dedicated and wanted to make a difference. He really cared about the people he dealt with like the young lads who had gone off the tracks." She told how he had given up his lucrative career as a design draftsman to "do the job he loved".

Mrs Brady, 44, also revealed how at the time of her husband's death, the couple were preparing for their silver wedding anniversary celebrations in October.

The Police Federation - the body which represents rank-and-file officers - confirmed it was seeking legal advice on Mrs Brady's behalf.

Chairman Chris Turton said solicitors were examining whether the force was liable for Det Con Brady's early return to work through its introduction of the attendance criteria legislation

West Yorkshire Police said similar rules were employed at other forces in Britain as well as at public and private sector organisations.