FRIENDS and family of a popular policeman killed in a road crash are to stage a charity rugby match in his honour.

The game is being organised by colleagues of rugby-loving father-of-two Tony Heaton, who died aged 38 when his motorbike came off the A556 in Davenham in June.

He played for both Cheshire police and Northwich Rugby Club and was extremely well thought of by everyone who knew him.

Both sides will go head-to-head in the charity match and friend and colleague Nick Brown, who is helping organise the event, said: 'Tony was a larger than life character, and a great bloke to know. He played rugby for both the police and North-wich Rugby Club and the memorial game will be a great way for everyone to show their appreciation and raise money for charity in his memory.'

Many of his friends from both rugby worlds are expected to take part and his widow, Pam, is likely to present the trophy to the winner. Proceeds will go to charity.

A well respected police officer, Mr Heaton had received a chief constable's commendation for his work as a car crime officer, having arrested more than 400 offenders for various crimes in just 18 months.

Paying tribute after the accident, Chief Constable Peter Fahy said: 'Tony Heaton was an outstanding and dedicated officer. For him, policing was about making sure that people who committed crime were stopped and dealt with at the first opportunity. He was a forthright, committed and engaging officer and our hearts go out to his family at this time of bereavement.'

The match, Cheshire Police v Northwich Rugby Club, will be held at Moss Farm on Wednesday, December 20, at 2.30pm.