A “vibrant and committed” police community support officer (PCSO), who has died after a long illness, was a “caring, loyal and courageous” officer who devoted her time to help other people, colleagues have said.

PCSO Carol Pengelly, 47, spent six years working for Hertfordshire Constabulary, first in Three Rivers and then for the past three years in Watford town centre, based at King's Court.

She became a recognisable face walking around central Watford and was instrumental in helping to drive down purse dipping and to reduce crime levels at night.

However, after being diagnosed with cancer, she died on Sunday, January 31. She leaves a son and a daughter.

Police officers and PCSOs formed a guard of honour as a hearse carrying her coffin pulled into West Herts Crematorium for her funeral on Tuesday.

Tributes during the service were led by Watford police chief inspector John Dempsey-Brench.

Chris Bryce, Neighbourhood Inspector for Watford, said PCSO Pengelly's commitment was “second to none”.

He said: “I will miss her greatly, as I know the team she worked with will. When someone as vibrant and committed as Carol leaves, the hole left behind is always bigger then you expect.

“She was a caring, loyal, courageous and committed officer. The service Carol provided to the varied communities within Watford town centre was second to none and I am sure that those that knew her will also mourn her passing.”

Three Rivers Chief Inspector Dave Moore added: “Carol was one of the first PCSOs to come to Three Rivers and had a wonderful way of engaging with the public. Her passing is a great loss to the communities she served and our thoughts go out to her friends and family at this time.”

PCSO Pengelly, who lived in Watford, also became well known among pub and club owners and market traders through her work to reduce crime in the town centre.

Neil Campbell, who owns Cristal, Vogue and Kandi Klub in The Parade, said: “She was great. She brought a lot to Watford town centre. Everyone knew her, she was a face about the town and everyone could talk to her and she was well respected.”

Iain Griffith-Jones, former joint chairman of Pubwatch in Watford and now general manager of The Feathers in Rickmansworth, said: “PCSO Pengelly had an air of sincerity about her and a real passion for the job. You could see that in the way she walked and held herself. She was very committed.”

Mick Chapman, chairman of the Watford Market Traders' Association, added: “She always came across very friendly. I'd like to offer her family my condolences and thank her for all she did in the market.”