Meeting elderly residents, dropping into the community centre and chatting to local teenagers is all in a day's work for Watford's newest Police Community Support Officer (PCSO).

Vanessa Howden-Smith joined the North Watford Neighbourhood Police team in July, and spent the first few weeks on the beat alongside PCSO David Gunn, who works in Stanborough ward.

She is now patrolling the streets of Woodside, where she has already held 'Stranger Danger' classes with local primary school children and surgeries with residents.

Vanessa said: “Being out there, yes you have to brave the weather but there aren't many jobs that pay you to be sociable. You're out there speaking to the community and being a presence.

“From young children to the elderly, everything's different. People come up to you and ask you so many questions.

“We are the foot patrol and they are really pleased to see us. Ninety-eight per cent of people are really pleased to see you and are very friendly and helpful.”

Vanessa, who lives in Hemel Hempstead with her 13-year-old son, left school to work in an office, but stopped when she became a mother. She later joined the road safety team at Hertfordshire County Council but left her job at County Hall to become a PCSO in Watford.

She said: “The life of a PCSO is an awful lot of walking but it's enjoyable. And I'm glad I have chosen to take this on.”

Vanessa, a motorbike enthusiast, said she hopes to build up Neighbourhood Watch schemes in Woodside area, while helping to stamp out what anti-social behaviour takes place there.

She added: “I'm pleased I have done this. I'm really happy and hope I feel this way in a couple of years.”