FRIENDS and colleagues of PC Mick Atkinson, who died at the weekend, have set up a fundraising account to support his family.

PC Atkinson was a dog handler with North Yorkshire Police and since his death, hundreds of fellow officers, friends and family from around the world have shown support and paid tribute to him online and through social media.

On Friday, deputy secretary of the North Yorkshire Police Federation Brad Jackson shared further tributes to his friend PC Atkinson - who he called Aky.

He said he had "great memories of Mick telling me all about his holiday in Florida" with his family, and announced a fundraising campaign to help provide a new, positive memory for his fallen colleague's family.

Brad said: "He had become the doting family man. He told me how much they had all enjoyed themselves and that he had promised to take them all back there one day.

"All money raised in 'Aky’s Fund' is for Mick’s family. I hope we can raise enough money to allow Mick’s promise of taking his family back to Florida is kept. With your help I know we can honour Mick in this way so don’t buy that Costa coffee today, donate the money to Aky’s Fund instead.

"Mick’s family has been overwhelmed by your kind words and support, let’s keep that going and show our support and love for the 'Big Man' in this special way."

Cheques can be sent to the North Yorkshire Police Federation Office, Castlegate, Knaresborough HG5 8AR, and made payable to 'Aky’s Fund', or sent directly to sort code 60-83-01 account number 20399979.

The Press has also reported this week how PC Atkinson's collar number of 1066 had been retired by North Yorkshire Police as a mark of respect, and badges with a tie pin - featuring a Union Flag, a thin blue line and a dog's paw print - had been designed in PC Atkinson's memory, with funds going towards the National K9 Memorial Fund.