TRIBUTES have been paid to a popular Weymouth police worker who has died after a battle with cancer.

Police Community Support Officer Trevor Skinner, 58, spent six years with Dorset Police, most of which were on the beat around the Westham estate where he built links with the community.

The former pub landlord won the ‘hearts and minds’ of residents, police colleagues said.

Never one to refuse a cup of tea from a friendly householder, Mr Skinner made many friends and built up trust with the area’s young people.

It was thanks to him that a boy was able to open up about the sexual abuse he suffered at the hands of an elderly man – the offender was later jailed for 10 years.

Mr Skinner received a Dorset Police award just before he medically retired earlier this year.

The father-of-two and grandfather died peacefully at his home on Portland.

His wife of 38 years, Susan, said: “He was a very loveable man and a friend to everyone. He did no one any harm.”

She told how her husband was born in Northern Ireland and grew up in Birmingham.

Mr Skinner joined the Parachute Regiment, but his forces career was cut short after a violent mugging aged 19 in which he lost an eye.

Mrs Skinner said the disability did not stop her husband doing anything he wanted. He was fitted with a glass eye and passed his driving test.

Mr Skinner worked for British Gas before moving with his family to Dorset where he ran the Royal Exchange pub on Portland and later the Ferrybridge Inn at Wyke Regis.

He and his wife later became relief pub managers and ran businesses in the Midlands and in Yorkshire before Mr Skinner became an immigration officer at Birmingham Airport.

He returned to Dorset in 2004 when he joined Dorset Police, becoming one of the area’s first PCSOs.

Westham councillor Ian James said: “There’s not many gentlemen in the world but Trevor Skinner was one of them. Trevor made so much of a difference in Westham and the area is a lot poorer without him.”

Mr Skinner went through intensive treatment sessions after being diagnosed with lung cancer in March 2009.

PC Kevin Eames of Weymouth Police said: “I speak on behalf of the whole Safer Neighbourhood Team and can only say how sorry we are to hear that Trevor has passed away.

“I know how grateful he was for the support he had.

“Trevor was cheerful and great to be with until the end and he will be sorely missed.

“We feel for Sue and the family at this time.”

l The funeral will be held at Weymouth Crematorium Chapel on Wednesday, August 4, at 10.45am.

Donations can be made in Mr Skinner’s memory to Macmillan Nurses and sent to Co-operative Funeral-care, Abbotsbury Road, Weymouth.

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