A former police officer has died the day after other members of the force held a round of applause outside his home.
William Unsworth, known as Bert, had served for 30 years, beginning his career in Lancashire before moving to Wigan.
He passed away on Thursday, April 23, after a battle with illness.
Unfortunately, because of the coronavirus lockdown, Mr Unsworth's friends on the force had been unable to visit his Appley Bridge home to say their goodbye, LancsLive reports.
But, the day before his death, officers on patrol in the area paid tribute to their former colleague by joining his neighbours in a round of applause.
Mr Unsworth first joined the force in the mid-60s and spent much of his time stationed in Standish before moving to work for the communications department.
In a post of Facebook following his death, a spokesman for Skelmersdale Police said: "Due to the current movement restrictions Bert's friends were unable to visit him so on Wednesday evening Officers, on patrol in the area, joined Bert's neighbours in Appley Bridge.
"Together they showed their appreciation for the years of dedicated service he had given as a police officer by offering a round of applause.
"The following day, on Thursday April, 23, Bert passed away peacefully at home.
"Lancashire Police would like to thank PC William 'Bert' Unsworth for his loyal service to the people of Lancashire and offer our deepest condolences to his family and friends. "
