Thanksgiving service for Michael Todd

Date published: 07/04/2008

A thanksgiving service celebrating the career of former Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable Michael Todd is being held at Manchester Cathedral on Friday 11 April 2008.

Hundreds of staff and officers from GMP and Greater Manchester Police Authority (GMPA) will join Mr Todd's family at the service, which begins at 11am. In addition, senior representatives from all of the UK's police forces will attend, along with government and opposition figures and leading civic representatives from across Greater Manchester. The Queen will be represented by the Lord Lieutenant.

Due to the numbers involved, entry to the service is by invitation only, but members of the public wishing to pay their respects can do so at the BBC's Big Screen in Manchester's Exchange Square, where the service will be broadcast live.

Assistant Chief Constable Justine Curran, gold commander for the service, said: "We are deeply honoured that Mr Todd’s family are joining us for this celebration of his career and are delighted that so many representatives from policing, political and civic life will attend to pay tribute to our former Chief.

"GMP officers and staff from all ranks and roles will be represented at the service, which is something Mr Todd would certainly have wanted as he recognised that every individual in the force had a part to play in its continuing success.

"There is much to celebrate as during Mr Todd's tenure Greater Manchester Police has gone from strength to strength. As officers and staff, the most fitting tribute we can pay to him is to ensure that we keep foremost in both our minds and actions the key duties we are tasked with – to fight crime and protect people.

"I would also like to thank Manchester Cathedral for their help and support in the organisation of the service, and also the assistance and cooperation of the BBC Big Screen, Manchester City Council and Citico for enabling the public to pay their respects at Exchange Square."

Greater Manchester Police Authority Chief Executive Barbara Spicer added: "It was extremely important to the police authority that the people of Greater Manchester had an opportunity to be part of this celebration. The arrangements put in place will help achieve this and GMPA would like to thank everyone involved in making it happen.

"Michael was an excellent leader. Greater Manchester is a safer place thanks to him and the tributes which have poured in since his death are testament to the fact that he made a significant contribution to the face of policing.

"The thanksgiving service is a time to celebrate this contribution. It's also a time to remember how much importance Michael placed on keeping communities safe. Local people can rest assured this continues to be, and always will be, of the utmost importance."

The service will feature hymns, prayers and readings. Representatives of different faith groups will also participate and tributes will be made by GMP Acting Chief Constable Dave Whatton, Councillor Paul Murphy, chairman of GMPA and Chief Constable Ken Jones, president of the Association of Chief Police Officers.

As people leave, they may give donations to The Greater Manchester High Sheriff's Police Trust.

Due to the nature of the service and those attending, there will be road closures in place.

Victoria Street from its junction with Chapel Street to its junction with Cateaton Street will be closed, as will Cateaton Street.

The roads will be closed from 9.30am to 2pm. We will aim to keep disruption in the city centre to a minimum.