AN ARMY tracker who was commended for his part in the hunt for police killer Barry Prudom has died after a long illness.

Harold Cooper, who was known as 'Gary', was awarded a Certificate of Commendation by the then Chief Constable of North Yorkshire police, Kenneth Henshaw, in 1983, along with fellow tracking volunteers led by survival expert Eddie McGee.

The team were at the centre of one of Britain's biggest ever manhunts across wild North Yorkshire countryside after Prudom shot dead two policemen, from Harrogate and Malton, and a civilian, and also wounded a police dog handler and a woman.

They found his trail and pinpointed the killer at his hiding place in a sports ground. Prudom shot himself rather than face arrest.

Mr Cooper, of Apollo Court, Heslington, was a miner before joining the Army in 1947 as a teenager.

He served all over the world as a tracker with the Duke of Wellington's Regiment and the Green Howards for a total of 22 years, and spent five years attached to the United Nations.

He was decorated three times.

After leaving the Army, Mr Cooper worked as a caretaker at the Fulford Road Police Station in York, where he was remembered fondly by friends and ex-colleagues.

Detective Inspector Phil Metcalfe, of North Yorkshire police said: "He was a very jolly, pleasant man who was always willing to help his colleagues.

"Those who know him are aware of the pride he had of his services in the forces. He will be sorely missed."

Bryan Marlowe, an Evening Press columnist who worked with Mr Cooper at Fulford station said: "Gary had training as a field tracker. As a soldier he was a bold and brave man who would always speak up.

"He always looked out for his staff's interests."

Mr Cooper, who was 71, died at St Leonard's Hospice last weekend after a battle with cancer.

He leaves five children, eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

His funeral was taking place at York Crematorium today.