THE funeral of a decorated Powys police officer and much-loved community figure will take place next week.

Gareth Earp, from Rhayader, was just 43 when he died at the scene of a two-vehicle road traffic collision on the A470 between Rhayader and Llangurig on Thursday, June 29.

Mr Earp was a serving inspector with Dyfed Powys Police at the time of his death, and was chairman of Rhayader Town Football Club.

His funeral will take place at St Clement’s Church, Rhayader, on Friday, July 21, at 2pm. Mr Earp’s wife, Tamsin, announced the date on social media, and said the funeral will be followed by internment at Rhayader Cemetery.

Rhayader Town Council also announced that mayor Rhys Thomas had been asked by Mr Earp’s family to open a book of remembrance for the popular figure at St Clements, which will be available to sign daily from 10am-8pm.

READ MORE: Dyfed-Powys police pay tribute to officer who died in crash

“Cllr Rhys Thomas has had the privilege of being asked to open a book of remembrance to Gareth Earp at the request of Gareth’s family,” the town council said on its Facebook page.

“St Clements Church, Rhayader, will be open from 10am-8pm daily for anybody to go in and leave their fondest memories of Gareth.

READ MORE: Powys football club's tribute to late chairman Gareth Earp

“The book will be open until the evening of Thursday, July 20, and further books available on the day of the service.”

Mr Earp was a father-of-three and donations received at the funeral will be put into a trust fund for his three sons; Ethan, Theo and Joel.

The town has been left stunned by Mr Earp’s death two weeks ago. People and organisations have been remembering him in their own unique way, including his hometown club where he played and was chairman.