THE funeral service has taken place of a former Crediton Police Officer, Ken Spry.

Ken was born in Paignton in 1920.

From an early age he spent a lot of time at Brixham where his grandfather was Coxswain of the local Lifeboat.

From this and seeing the fleet in Torbay, Ken was inspired to join the Royal Navy.

This was at the age of just 17, when he trained at the prestigious HMS Ganges at Shotley, near Ipswich.

Among Ken's first ships were "Royal Oak" and "Renown".

He also had a proud moment when the "Renown" won the "Cock of the Fleet" award.

The crew were visited by King George VI and the other members of the Royal family.

Later, Ken and the ship had the honour of convoying the Norwegian Royal family and the body of Queen Maud back to Norway.

Afterwards, King Haakon presented every member of the crew with a silver plaque with his coat of arms.

At the beginning of the Second World War, Ken served in the channel and North Sea on Motor Torpedo Boats, then was drafted to the Mediterranean as senior Coxswain of motor launches,

His motor launch was badly damaged at Leros when being shelled by a German ship from the Dodecanese Invasion Fleet.

At the end of the War, Ken was minesweepng around both coasts of Italy. He returned home in December 1945 and left the service in 1947, having married Margaret.

Ken joined the Devon Constabulary and served in the force for 26 years.

His daughter was born while he was stationed at Newton Abbot, but Ken was also stationed at Sidmouth, Dunkeswell, Torrington, Copplestone and finally, Crediton.

For almost six years, Ken ran "The Friday Nighters" for local people over 60 years of age.

He organised concerts, with the club members writing and producing sketches and plays and Ken also "conducted" the Friday Nighters percussion band.

A concert, held at Sandford, entertained 140 people and on another occasion, 100 people at the Congregational Church.

Ken's love in retirement was his garden and even when the work became too much, he would sit in the garden at Butt Parks, Crediton, to relax.

Ken is survived by his wife Margaret, daughter Valerie, grandchildren Helen, Christopher and Charlotte and great grandchildren, Oliver and Stephanie.

Margaret said she would like to thank all those who expressed condolences and for cards and letters.