THOUSANDS of police officers and their families from across the country are set to attend a service at York Minster to remember colleagues killed in the line of duty.

Organisers say the National Police Memorial Day service, at 3pm on Sunday, September 30, will honour the courage and ultimate sacrifice of officers.

The event was founded in 2004 by Sergeant Joe Holness following the killing of fellow Kent Police officer Jon Odell, at Margate in 2000.

Each year, it is held in one of the four countries of the UK.

Organisers say the service, which is open to everyone, is aimed at recognising the courage and dedication shown by police officers and showing family and friends their loved one’s sacrifices are not forgotten.

Every chief constable in the country is set to attend the Minster service along with senior politicians, and a total congregation of between 2,000 and 2,500 is expected.

Memorial patron Prince Charles said: “This day of commemoration is a way for the nation to recognise the best of all human qualities – selfless and devoted courage – and the example and valour of those officers who died on duty should act as an inspiration to us all.

“The annual Memorial Service is a poignant and timely reminder of the true meaning of public service and the high price which is too often paid by officers and their families for that service. It is a day of mixed emotions – of agonizing sadness, but of enormous pride in the British Police Service and the officers who make it as special and admired as it is.”