A FORMER police and crime commissioner for West Mercia Police has died.

Bill Longmore, 79, the first person to hold the police and crime commissioner role, died following a long battle with cancer.

He was elected in November 2012 and retired in May 2016 to be replaced by current commissioner John Campion.

Mr Longmore died peacefully at his home near Shrewsbury on Thursday morning.

He was diagnosed with his second bout of cancer in July 2015.

Bill’s former Deputy PCC Barrie Sheldon said: "My description of Bill is that he was a bit of an enigma. 

"He was always coming up with innovative ideas. When he went for the police and crime commissioner role he had the slogan ‘man of the people’ that there was what I saw when he was commissioner.

He added: "He was the first in his role and faced backlash which he dealt with admirably."

West Mercia police and crime commissioner John Campion said: “I was very sad to hear of Bill’s passing. My thoughts are naturally with his wife, and extended family and friends at this time.

“Bill dedicated much of his life to serving the public, both as a police officer, and as West Mercia’s first police and crime commissioner, but I am aware that his commitment to helping local communities extended well beyond that.

Through his involvement in sport, business and other local groups Bill made a lot of friends and helped a lot of people.

"The energy Bill brought to the PCC role, particularly through the challenges he faced, was admirable and showed just how committed he was to making life better for the community around him. As such I am sure his loss will be felt by many people.”

Chief Constable Bangham said: "I was very sorry to hear that Bill had passed away and my thoughts go out to his wife and family at what will be a very difficult time.

"Bill served as a police officer with Staffordshire Police for 30 years where he reached the rank of Superintendent and used that valuable experience following retirement to serve the people of West Mercia as the first appointed Police and Crime Commissioner.

"What was always clear to me was his total commitment to serving the people to the very best of his ability and I know he will be sadly missed by many."