TRIBUTES have been paid to a highly-respected Hampshire police officer who has died aged 50 after battling a rare form of cancer.

PC Neville Stokes’s illness resulted in fellow officers at Portswood police station in Southampton raising thousands of pounds towards the cost of improving his home.

Last night friends and colleagues vowed to complete the work, describing the extension to the New Forest property as his legacy.

Married with two young sons PC Stokes - a former soldier - was taken ill about two years ago and was found to be suffering from an unusual form of pancreatic cancer.

In a major operation surgeons removed half his pancreas and part of his stomach, plus his bile duct, duodenum and 14 lymph glands.

PC Stokes suffered severe infections following the surgery and also lost a lot of weight, but friends say he remained positive throughout.

After six months of gruelling chemotherapy he was given the devastating news that the cancer had returned and had spread to his liver.

John Apter, chairman of Hampshire Police Federation, said: “Nev was a fine officer but above all he was a dedicated family man who will be missed by all those who knew him. Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.”

Inspector Sharman Wicks, of Southampton North Neighbourhood Policing Team also paid tribute following the officer’s death at Oakhaven Hospice in Lymington.

She said: “Nev was an integral and valued member of the Neighbourhood Policing Team at Portswood Police station and previously at Bitterne Police station. He had a great sense of humour and was much loved by his colleagues.

“Despite being diagnosed with terminal cancer he continued to come to work, which is testament to his strong sense of commitment to policing.

“Nev will be sorely missed by his friends and colleagues and our thoughts go out to his family at this difficult time.”

When the officer’s condition deteriorated last year his friend and colleague, PC Neil Nancarrow, launched a fundraising appeal to help him complete the extension to his house in Sway.

Five months ago PC Stokes thanked everyone who had donated via his JustGiving page.

He said: “We have been truly blown away with the love, support and beautiful kindness shown by such an amazing army of friends, acquaintances and strangers.”

His wife Vanessa and their two sons, seven-year-old Fin and nine-year-old Ollie, are being comforted by friends.