A FORMER Lancashire police officer who emigrated to Canada where he became a "well respected" Niagara police chief has died.

Tributes have been paid to retired Regional Police Chief Don Harris.

The 83-year-old was remembered by his family as a "staunchly British man" who loved the "pomp and circumstance" of military regalia.

They told the Niagara Falls Review, based in Ontario, Canada, he had a passion for his family, flying and serving the community as a police officer.

Born in England, he joined the Royal Air Force in 1942 and served as a fighter pilot during the Second World War.

He left the military to join Lancashire Constabulary as a constable in 1948 and emigrated to Canada in 1954.

His son Rob Harris paid tribute to the father of three sons, who passed away at St Catharines General Hospital after a stroke earlier this month.

He said his dad was "very disciplined but very fair" in all aspects of his life.

He added: "My dad loved his career. He was very well respected in the police community."