TRIBUTES were paid to a Gwent Police officer who died following a battle with cancer.

Cath Benton was described by her husband and Steve as “generous and happy”.

PC Benton joined the force in 2006 and was diagnosed with breast cancer just nine weeks into her career with the police and responded well to treatment for the disease before being re-diagnosed two years ago.

Her husband, a detective constable in Newport, took a leave of absence from last summer to be with his wife when she could not work.

The pair married in New York in 2006 and PC Benton, 40, a mother to nine-year-old Rebeca, died on January 14.

DC Benton said; "Cath was the most generous, smiley person you could ever hope to meet."

Following her funeral this week, DC Benton hopes to return to work at the beginning of February.

At last Thursday's Police Authority meeting, Chief Constable Mick Giannasi led the tributes to the officer.

He said: "It is always sad when a member of the police dies in service - Cath was an inspiration to many people and she never gave in."

A minute's silence was held at the start of the meeting in honour of PC Benton.

  • DC Benton has asked for donations in Marie Curie Cancer Care in lieu of flowers.