Tributes have been paid to a former Cambridgeshire Police and Crime Commissioner who "was dedicated to making a difference to the lives of his constituents and those he worked with”.

Sir Graham Bright died peacefully on January 19, aged 81, following a short illness having been cared for at Addenbrooke's Hospital and the Arthur Rank Hospice in Cambridge.

His family said:  “We would like to thank all the dedicated doctors, nurses, healthcare assistants and other staff who looked after him during this time.

“During his political career which spanned over 50 years, from his time as a councillor to being a member of parliament and subsequently Police and Crime Commissioner between 2012 and 2016, he was dedicated to public service and to making a difference to the lives of his constituents and those he worked with.”

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Current police and crime commissioner, Darryl Preston said: “Sir Graham set the bar for how future Commissioners would carry out the role, following their introduction in 2012.

“He was passionate about keeping people safe and introduced a number of innovative projects such as working with HMP Peterborough to help support people from reoffending and introducing a 'police cadets' scheme to encourage young people into the profession.

“The partnerships he set up during his time in office remain to this day.

“Sir Graham was the ultimate public servant. He will be sadly missed.”

Former Chief Constable, Alec Wood QPM, added: “Sir Graham was a dedicated and committed public servant.

“As police and crime commissioner, he helped create the country’s first victims’ hub and his determination to help young people was evident in the creation of the Cambridgeshire’s Police Cadets scheme as well as through a number of initiatives to divert young people from crime.”

Launched in 2014, the victims’ hub (now the 'victim and witness hub') delivers support to the victims of crime. It received national recognition and its pioneering approach was adopted by other areas across the country.

Sir Graham championed volunteering and supporting young people’s development. He set up the volunteer police cadet scheme which inspires young people to participate positively in their communities. This scheme has continued to grow. 

Sir Graham leaves behind his wife, Lady Valerie and son, Rupert.