HUNDREDS of people turned out for the funeral of respected Bournemouth Inspector Neil Munro.

The funeral cortege led by police motorcycle outriders, passed by the two police stations where Inspector Munro served - Bournemouth Police Station in Madeira Road and Winton Police Station in Wimborne Road - en route to Bournemouth Crematorium.

As the procession passed by police officers and staff unable to attend the funeral saluted to pay their respects to Inspector Munro who led the North Bournemouth section for the past 15 months.

As a further mark of respect a Dorset Police drape was placed over the coffin which also carried Inspector Munro's hat.

The cortege arrived at Bournemouth Crematorium in Strouden Avenue, Queens Park led by a Scottish piper and more than 300 police officers formed a guard of honour as the coffin was taken into the chapel for the 3pm service.

As the service began police officers all across Dorset observed a one-minute silence to remember Inspector Munro.

Speakers were also set up to enable the service to be relayed to mourners outside the chapel.

Mourners sang hymns including Abide with Me and Amazing Grace while friends and colleagues gave readings.

Other poignant songs played during the service included Philadephia by Neil Young and Inside of You by Alice Martineau.

Assistant Chief Constable Adrian Whiting gave a reading of Footprints.

DC Matt Stacey of Bournemouth CID told how Inspector Munro was responsible for his nickname of Mad Max describing him as "the lynchpin between us all".

He told how the pair went on a motorbike trip to France on powerful motorbikes where Neil had an accident and had to be flown back home early.

On DC Stacey's return Inspector Munro cooked him a full English breakfast as an apology, he added.

Mourners also heard how Inspector Munro had to be taken home early on his stag do' where he spent most of it eating cold pizza with his wife-to-be.

People left the chapel to the strains of Angels by Robbie Williams.

Mourners at the funeral also included the Chief Constable Martin Baker and Deputy Chief Constable Chris Lee.

The service led by the Reverend Michael Joint of the Church of England, was followed by a private family burial at Bournemouth Crematorium.

Flags at Dorset Police premises flew at half mast in tribute to Inspector Munro and were expected to remain at half-mast until 7am today.

Dorset Police also plans to have a permanent memorial to Inspector Munro at Winton Police Station for the officer who joined Dorset Police force in 1987 and served in the Bournemouth Division since 2002.