TRIBUTES have been paid to the last chairman of the Cumbria Police Authority, who passed away at the weekend.

Ray Cole first joined Cumbria Constabulary in November 1964, starting his career as a traffic police constable in Ulverston and retiring as the inspector for Millom in February 1996.

He became the chairman of Cumbria Police Authority in 2010, playing a 'pivotal' role in overseeing policing in the county before the introduction of police and crime commissioners.

Jerry Graham, chief constable of Cumbria police, said: “All those who had the privilege of working alongside Ray and who received his wise counsel will remember him fondly as a man of great integrity and a true gentleman.

“He was a great supporter and friend to Cumbria Constabulary and he will be missed dearly. Our thoughts go out to his wife and family at this difficult time.”

Mr Cole also served as a Millom town councillor and Copeland borough councillor, representing Newtown ward at the time of his death.

Peter McCall, Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “I’m truly saddened to hear of Ray’s death. As the former distinguished chair of Cumbria Police Authority and an exceptional police officer, as well as his councillor roles, Ray was a dedicated public servant.

"He will be remembered as a true gentleman, caring, professional and greatly respected by all those who knew him.

“Ray joined Cumbria Police Authority as an ordinary member in June 2005, and took up the role of chair in June 2010. He made a significant contribution to the authority during this time, and especially during his chairmanship when Cumbria Police faced many difficult challenges.

"He was a man of integrity, who gave so much to Cumbria and will be sadly missed, and my thoughts and condolences are with his family.”