police formed a guard of honour in Keighley yesterday at the funeral of their colleague Hughie Brady.

Dozens of officers gathered at St Joseph's RC Church, Ingrow, to pay tribute to the 44-year-old detective constable.

The church was full to capacity with Hughie's friends, family, colleagues and fellow members of Keighley's Irish community. The Keighley-born father-of-four collapsed at home last Friday after being poorly for the past few weeks.

Hughie was this week described by friends and colleagues as a committed police officer and family man.

He was also a keen sportsman who played rugby in his younger days and continued to play golf at Branshaw Golf Club, Oakworth.

Hughie received four commendations in the 11 years since achieving his long-time dream of becoming a policeman. He had first applied several years previously but was turned down on height restrictions.

He was invited to join the force as soon as restrictions were lifted and moved into CID following a short period as a patrol officer.

Hughie's long standing friend Gary Moorby, head coach at Keighley Cougars, this week described him as a "great guy".

The pair met at the age of five and became close friends as they went through St Joseph's Primary School and Holy Family School.

Gary said: "Hughie was a popular kid, and a smart one. He was always a bit of a joker. He could laugh at himself. He loved his job, and was very proud of his wife Christine and children Simon, Joe, Aaron and Megan."

Gary said Hughie had been fit and active all his life, but recently suffered what appeared to be a bad bout of 'flu and had been checked for heart problems.

Det Chief Insp Roger Gasson, of Keighley police, yesterday described Hughie as a valued member of CID who would be sadly missed by his colleagues. Mr Gasson added: "He was a tremendous personality -- a joker, the cheeky one in the office."

Hughie's latest police commendation came in January, for gathering evidence against Addingham knife attacker Leroy Griffiths.

Previous commendations praised Hughie's commitment, tenacity, professionalism and courage, as well as his dedication in a sensitive case.

Hughie is survived by his brother Tommy, who lives in Silsden, and a sister Donna, who lives in the USA.