A FORMER Harwich PCSO and community stalwart has died following a battle with cancer.

Ray Aylott, of Thorpe, passed away on Tuesday January 12 at the age of 65.

Mr Aylott joined Essex Police in September 2006, spending his career in Harwich where he formed strong relationships with schools, local businesses and residential homes.

He was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia in 2009 and underwent six months of chemotherapy.

Mr Aylott went into remission and started fundraising to helps others with a similar condition.

He conquered the Tour de Tendring bike ride in 2012, 2013 and 2014 to raise thousands of pounds for Leukaemia Care.

He retired in 2014 to spend time travelling with his wife Sue, but was recently diagnosed with terminal cancerous tumours in his brain and bones and was moved to St Helena Hospice prior to Christmas.