FORMER police sergeant Alan Cowie Wood, who served on the force for 30 years, has died aged 88.

Born in the Highlands of Scotland, in Scotstown, Banff, and educated at Banff Acadamy, growing up Alan showed a great interest in tinkering with and constructing radios, and as soon as he was old enough he joined the Royal Air Force, initially as a radio operator.

During his time with the RAF Alan was stationed at a number of places including West Kirby, Cardington, Fairford, Upper Heyford, Lyneham, Chivenor and Netheravon. This brought him down to the south of England, and it was at this point he married and moved to Bournemouth where he joined the Bournemouth Borough Police, which in 1967 merged with Dorset County Constabulary to form the Dorset and Bournemouth Constabulary and was re-named Dorset Police in 1974 after taking over Christchurch and surrounding areas from Hampshire Constabulary.

While serving as an officer, Alan would walk the streets of Winton at night, pushing his bike in all weathers and checking the security of shop doors. He would also carry out point duty at Pier Approach and Lansdowne.

However, the arrival of the Panda car brought more excitement to Alan's role, and he found himself stationed at Bournemouth, Boscombe, Kinson and Poole. He preferred to work out on the streets, not in an office.

Even at this stage of his police career, Alan had started writing articles for the independent American magazine Law and Order, and, in 1958, was rewarded by receiving a Certificate of Merit from the National Police Officers Association of America.

As a police constable, Alan represented the British police at a trade event in Paris during 1967, at the official opening of Au Printemps British goods promotion by Lord Chalfont.

During his career he received six commendations, one being for the manner in which he dealt with a man who was armed with a knife and rifle that was believed to be loaded.

He finally retired in 1983 as a sergeant and was awarded with a Police Long Service and Good Conduct Medal.

As a retiree Alan had more time for writing, and his first book to be published was History of the World's Glider Forces, followed by The Glider Soldiers. In 2002 he had another book published: Aces and Airmen of World War 1. This book covered the national heroes of early air combat.

During 2010 Alan had another book published called Military Ghosts, citing Sherborne Old Castle where Sir Walter Raleigh is said to walk through the grounds and buildings.

Sadly, Alan was then diagnosed with Alzheimer's and unable to complete his last book, Military Aviation of the First World War. However, publication was eventually made possible with the input of the publisher, Alan Sutton, to whom Alan's family are very grateful.

Alan passed away peacefully at his home on October 1. He is missed by his wife Rita, daughter Susan, grandson James and his close friend Terry.

His funeral service was held at Bournemouth Crematorium on Wednesday, October 17.