A MUCH-LOVED Runcorn police community support officer who lost his battle with cancer has been hailed a ‘legend’.

PCSO Gordon Rylance, who served the community in Brookvale, died on Thursday with his wife Jeanette at his side.

The 55-year-old has been described as a ‘true gentleman’ who ‘went that extra mile to help everyone’.

Friends say ‘Gordy’ combined his jovial personality with a love for meeting people when he was on the beat.

Hundreds of tributes have been posted on social media from residents, friends and colleagues.

PCSO Paula Davies launched a fundraising campaign after Gordon was diagnosed with inoperable liver cancer.

She said: “Gordon kept his positive outlook and good humour to the end and his colleagues raised over £1,700 for Cancer Research UK.

“His wife Jeanette is very grateful for all the support that they have received.

Halton Clr Martha Lloyd Jones, who worked with him for 11 years, said: “He was always there for advice if you needed it.

“He was really fond of Brookvale and knew all the kids.”

She said he once suggested putting a table and benches near a children’s playground for young people.

“He used to try to help the teenagers and put them on the right path,” she added. “He could relate to them and his ideas worked.

“He was very well thought of.”

Gordon joined Cheshire Constabulary in 2003 and spent most of his career on patrol in the Brookvale area.

Sergeant Darren Herod said: “I had the pleasure of supervising Gordon during some of his time with the constabulary and I looked upon him as being the ultimate ‘Steady Eddy’.

“He knew every inch of his beat and was a visible presence around the schools, shops, businesses and the community centre.

“He knew the young and elderly alike and was able to communicate and listen to all, enabling him to provide a really valuable policing service to his community.”

Resident Josh Christian said: “Gordon was the best PCSO there will ever be. This man was a legend, a true gentleman who would do anything for the local area.

“He believed in me when no one else did. Gordon was one of the good guys.”

“His policing skills will be missed by so many.”

Gayle North Cannon added: “Gordon was so helpful, loved his job and his community.”

Robert Johnston posted: “So sad. He was at the Linnets game on many a Saturday, a really nice guy.”

An elderly resident added: “Gordon was a man who always went that extra mile to help everyone. I got to know him by taking my granddaughter to school. He always spoke to every child and always had the time for anyone who wanted to chat to him.

Former colleague Paul Lumb said: “Gordy you’re a fine officer. You brought your own style of policing and will forever be missed. Sleep well officer, your shift is done. Always missed, never forgotten.”

Colleague Darren Whitfield said: “Worked with him a few years back on the local estates. Always had time for the community regardless of who they were.”

Gordon’s funeral will be on Tuesday, May 23 at 2pm at St Helens Crematorium on Rainford Road.