THE former police chief constable of West Yorkshire has died after a battle with prostate cancer.

Colin Cramphorn, 50, was diagnosed with the disease more than two years ago. He lost his battle against the disease yesterday.

In September this year Mr Cramphorn announced his intention to retire from the force after what he described as "four challenging and rewarding years".

He retired earlier this month.

Only last month, Mr Cramphorn was awarded an honorary degree from Huddersfield University.

He was too ill to attend the presentation ceremony at Huddersfield Town Hall.

Mr Cramphorn joined the West Yorkshire force in November 2002 from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) where he had served as acting chief constable before Sir Hugh Orde's appointment.

Paying tribute to Mr Cramphorn, West Yorkshire's Acting Chief Constable Julia Hodson said: "The force is deeply saddened by the news of Colin's death.

"Colin's compassion and care for others, whatever their role, earned him respect and affection.

"The way in which he bore his own illness, whilst leading the force through challenging times, is an inspiration to us all.

"Our thoughts are with his family."

Mr Cramphorn led the force during a time when it was rocked by the fatal shootings of two officers - PC Ian Broadhurst on Boxing Day in 2003 and PC Sharon Beshenivsky last November.

West Yorkshire was also the focus of the investigation into the July 7 bombings in London, with a number of searches in the area.

It later transpired, of course, that all four suicide bombers were from West Yorkshire.

Funeral arrangements will be made later, West Yorkshire Police said.

* A full obituary will appear in the Examiner next Tuesday