A FUNERAL service was held yesterday for ex-policeman Steve Hezzlewood who died suddenly at the age of 45.

The former Burnley bobby, police artist and burglary squad officer died at his home in Hardman Close, Knuzden, near Blackburn.

A former pupil at Burnley Grammar School, he joined the police as a cadet at 16.

His artistic gift was soon recognised and he became the police artist. He also raised cash for various charities with his artwork.

Mr Hezzlewood leaves a fiancee, Sharon, and a son, Lee. A service was held at Burnley crematorium and the family asked for donations to the British Heart Foundation.

The officer's 20-year career in the police force came to an end in 1990 when he fled to America after a business making and selling lead soldiers went wrong. He was later sentenced to 18 months in prison after admitting 10 charges of obtaining loans for toy soldier deals by deception and asked for 16 other offences to be taken into consideration.

Following his release, he began working to pay the money back.

He also did freelance art work and staged his own exhibition of watercolours and pen and inks.

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