A SERVICE to mark the life of an East Lancashire police woman who died after collapsing while on duty will be held next week.

Arrangements have also been made to enable PC Cate Sutcliffe's colleagues to attend.

The grieving family of 34-year-old Cate, of Waddington, today said everyone who knew their daughter was welcome.

And they have asked those wanting to send flowers to instead donate to Brain Research Trust, a charity aimed at finding ways to reduce deaths from brain conditions.

Cate, who had been with Lancashire Police since 1991, died in Royal Preston Hospital last Saturday. She was admitted on Sunday, August 6, suffering chronic headaches.

She was diagnosed as having suffered a brain aneurysm - when a blister develops on an artery and then bursts - and underwent emergency surgery.

A private interment and burial has been arranged, with a service of thanksgiving on Wednesday, September 1, at 11.30am, in St Helen's Church, Waddington.

Her parents said: "We have been utterly overwhelmed by the strength of support we have received. Without this help, this terrible experience would have been much more difficult to bear."

A Lancashire Police spokesman said: "A representative for the chief constable, the superintendent for Eastern Division and colleagues of PC Sutcliffe's have been invited to attend."

Donations should be sent to the funeral home at 39 Downham Road, Chatburn, BB7 4AU.