Trust set up in memory of Mike

A former Black Country police chief who died last month aged 64 is being honoured with the launch of a trust – and an evening to commemorate his life.

Friends and family of former Chief Superintendent Mike Holder are hosting A Night for Mike next Thursday at The Regis Suite in Reddal Hill Road, Old Hill. The evening will launch the Mike Holder Trust.

The trust will raise funds to help disadvantaged young people, a cause close to Mr Holder's heart.

Entertainment on offer includes Black Country comedians Tommy Mundon and Marline with musical entertainment from Maggie O'Hara and the Europa Trio.

Mr Holder spent more than 30 years in the police force before retiring at the rank of Chief Superintendent of Dudley. He had also served as a detective superintendent at Sandwell from 1985 to 1987.

He later became a highly-respected figure in the security industry, forming the successful Cougar Monitoring, now based in Cradley Heath.

In addition, he served as president of the Black Country Chamber of Commerce, was president of the Rotary Club, chairman of the Dudley Borough Business Crime Partnership and also served on Home Office Committees.

As well as tales about his acts of kindness, stories about his famous practical jokes are set to feature prominently during the commemorative evening.

At his funeral his friend and business partner Malcolm Griffiths related how he once painted police markings on a colleague's new white Escort.

"And I think everybody here has had their head slapped by Mike," he said at the service at Holy Trinity church.

More than 600 people turned up to pay their respects at the service, where Mr Holder's hearse was escorted by two police motorbikes and a BMW.

A guard of 30 uniformed police officers lined the entrance to the church.

Tickets are £15 each and are available by calling 01384 569019 between 9 am and 5pm.