FOUR hundred colleagues, friends and well-wishers packed a celebration to mark the retirement of Weymouth Police inspector Paul Gillott.

The popular officer had many tributes paid to him including a slide show walk down the memory lane of his life presented by Detective Inspector Mick Rand of Weymouth CID.

DI Rand said: "It is a tribute to Paul's popularity that there are so many people here tonight."

Among those attending the event at Weymouth Pavilion Ocean Room last night was Weymouth and Portland Mayor Lynne Herbert, who said: "It was wonderful to see so many people here to wish him well on his retirement."

Inspector Gillott said he was stunned, not just at the hundreds of people who attended, but at the many gifts he received.

He added: "The staff I have worked with at Weymouth East are simply the best.

"It was a pleasure to see so many familiar faces and I am deeply touched at the many kind things which have been said here tonight.

"They were much appreciated."

Among the many gifts presented to Inspector Gillott was a computer, a DVD player and framed prints and pictures.