Tributes have been paid after West Mercia's first Police and Crime Comissioner, Bill Longmore, died.

Mr Longmore died on Thursday morning at his home in Shrewsbury following a long battle with cancer.

He was 79.

Current PCC John Campion led tributes to Mr Longmore, who was elected in 2012, saying: "I was very sad to hear of Bill’s passing. My thoughts are naturally with his wife, and extended family and friends at this time.

“Bill dedicated much of his life to serving the public, both as a police officer, and as West Mercia’s first Police and Crime Commissioner, but I am aware that his commitment to helping local communities extended well beyond that. Through his involvement in sport, business and other local groups Bill made a lot of friends and helped a lot of people.

"The energy Bill brought to the PCC role, particularly through the challenges he faced, was admirable and showed just how committed he was to making life better for the community around him. As such I am sure his loss will be felt by many people.”

Mr Longmore leaves his wife Ursula.