A SERGEANT, who died after a collision between his bicycle and a car, will be buried with full police honours next week.

Sergeant Steven Burt, 53, from New Inn, was cycling towards Pontypool on the A4042 near Llanover at 10.50pm on May 19, when he was in a collision with a blue Volkswagen car.

Sgt Burt, who was out riding with a group of friends, was later pronounced dead at Abergavenny's Nevill Hall Hospital. No one else was injured in the incident.

He is survived by wife, Debra, daughters Sian and Louise, both 25, and son Jonathan, 22.

In a statement released through the police, the family said: "Steve was a loving husband and father who always put his family first. He made us laugh, he made us cry but most of all, he made us feel loved and special. He will be remembered and missed by us all."

A minute's silence was held at Thursday's Gwent Police Authority meeting in memory of Sgt Burt. The meeting heard Sgt Burt, who served with the force for 27 years, would receive full police honours at his funeral. Sgt Burt received his long service and good conduct medals in 2005 and Chief Constable Carmel Napier described him as a very well respected officer.

Sgt Burt's funeral will be held at St Mary's Church, Panteg on June 2, followed by committal at the Gwent Crematorium.

Gwent Police re-appealed for anyone who may have seen the cyclists that evening to come forward. The route the group took started on the B4246 at Govilion, went along Gypsy Lane in Llanfoist and ended on the A4042 from Llanellen to Llanover. Anyone with information should contact the collision investigation unit on 01633 642404.