Two 'local legends' retire after 19 years as PCSOs

Elaine Cave (left) and Bev Jackson both worked in Street, Somerset

Two police community support officers have been praised for their work as they retire after 19 years.

Elaine Cave and Bev Jackson both worked in the village of Street, Somerset, where they helped police with enquiries, spoke to victims and checked CCTV for investigations.

Ms Cave said: "I always had an interest in the community... looking out for each other. I always had a vested interest in what was going on – and I was a little noisy too."

Mendip Neighbourhood Policing, part of Avon and Somerset Police, described them as "local legends" in a post on Facebook, writing: "Elaine and Bev have been more than just officers – they've been pillars of our community."

The post said they were "familiar faces who've always had time for a chat", adding: "Their commitment, compassion and care have helped shape Street into the safe and welcoming place we all know and love."

Ms Cave said that she had first worked as a hairdresser and later had children.

She always wanted to work with the community, so decided to take on the PCSO role.

"We give advice, work in schools, make a cup of tea for a vulnerable victims," Ms Cave said. "It's a wide range of things."

She said she was most proud of a blog she wrote internally for her police colleagues about an abusive relationship she experienced.

"Work was my safe place, my colleagues were the ones keeping me going," Ms Cave said.

"We made lots of changes within the force, I'm massively proud of that."