Robin, who still worked for Sussex Police, died of a heart attack at his Bexhill home, aged 61, on Thursday.

He moved from Kent to join the former Hastings Borough Police in 1967 and spent most of his career working in the local area as a CID detective.

After completing 30 years service he retired in 1997 only to return again to the police as a staff worker based at Hastings and then Bexhill police station.

He was appointed manager of the Crime Management Unit there in 2000 and still held that post.

Always impeccably dressed, pipe smoker Robin was also well-known outside of police circles on the sports fields, being involved with cricket, football and rugby.

His wife, Hilary, has been moved by the number of tributes she has received from people who knew him.

Close friend Detective Chief Superintendent Kevin Moore said: "The greatest accolade I can pay Robin, which many other people would agree with, is that he was a consummate professional and one of the best detectives I have ever worked with.

"He was just a treasure really.

"He was meticulously detailed and that was recognised on numerous occasions. He received a number of Chief Constable commendations which was a testament to his professionalism.

"As a result of his competence and capabilities he's been utilised in a number of force-wide projects including the introduction of a centralized crime recording system.

"Colleagues remember him as someone who was always there to listen to people. He always gave help and assistance whenever it was sought."

Kevin, who formerly worked in Hastings with Robin and is now head of Sussex Police's CID, added: "I would still regularly contact Robin for a common sense point of view. He was a good sounding board."

A "big guy" physically, he was hugely competitive and a talented sportsman, said Kevin.

He was on the books of Kent County Cricket Club as a youngster then played for Hastings Priory and was still a member.

He was also a member of Hastings and Bexhill Rugby Club and previously was heavily involved with local football, particularly youth teams.

As well as his wife, Robin leaves grown-up children Nicky, Alison and Jamie, and seven grandchildren.

Friends are welcome to attend his funeral which will take place at St Stephen's Church in Bexhill on Wednesday at 1pm.

His family have asked that instead of flowers any donations people want to give go to Cardiac Risk in the Young (www.c-r-y.org.uk).