CHESHIRE’S police headquarters was lit up blue for a very special reason.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of National Police Memorial Day.

To honour the occasion, Cheshire Police illuminated its HQ in Winsford.

A spokesperson for the force said: “This weekend marked the 20th National Police Memorial Weekend – a time to remember and commemorate police officers in the United Kingdom who have died or been killed on duty.

“Our HQ, along with others across the country, was illuminated in blue to pay tribute whilst an annual service took place in Cardiff.

"Their sacrifice will never be forgotten.”

National Police Memorial Day was founded by now retired inspector Jo Holness following the killing of fellow Kent Police officer Jon Odell in Margate in December 2000.

Since an Act of Parliament in 1792 which created the first salaried constables, more than 4,000 police officers have been killed on duty.

The inaugural NPMD service was held at St Paul’s Cathedral in London on October 3, 2004.

Since then, it has taken place in rotation around the four countries of the United Kingdom on the Sunday closest to September 29 – St Michael’s Day, the Patron Saint of Police Officers.

This year’s service was held at the New Theatre in Cardiff on September 24 as colleagues gathered to remember eight officers who died on duty in the past year.