A true hero who will not be forgotten.

IN the early hours of yesterday morning, PC Bill Barker was going about his usual duties, albeit in quite exceptional and demanding circumstances.

As he helped direct motorists to safety from a bridge over a swollen river in Workington, Cumbria, PC Barker would have thought nothing of the risks he was exposing himself to, such was the selflessness of his dedication to his role as one of the emergency services.

Tragically, PC Barker paid for his bravery with his life. His wife said it was "just typical" he had been helping others and she would take comfort from the fact he had died doing the job he loves.

PC Barker's death is a timely reminder of the risks members of the emergency services put themselves in to serve the public in times of crisis. The pictures beamed across the world yesterday of parts of Cumbria reveal the extent of the damage caused by these floods and it is merciful that there were not greater numbers of casualties as a result.

That there wasn't is thanks to people such as PC Barker who think nothing of stepping in to dangerous situations in order to help those who are at risk.

PC Barker's memory will be honoured across the country today, not least in towns such as Morpeth where residents know exactly what the people of Cumbria are experiencing. His heroism will not be forgotten.