A POLICE community support officer (PCSO) may cover the largest patch in Essex.

PCSO Emma Rayment is responsible for 17 villages surrounding Colchester, providing visible patrols, a point of contact for residents, and building a rapport with schools, organisations and youngsters.

The 21-year-old joined the force on January 15 last year, and the main element of her role is to see and be seen as the friendly face of law enforcement in all the communities she covers.

PCSO Rayment explained that while she is based in Copford, she attempts to visit and patrol as many of the villages as possible every day, focusing her time and attention on problems as they arise.

Before she passed her driving test, she spent much of her time in Copford and Marks Tey, getting out to the other villages only when she could be dropped off.

In the past five months this has changed with the introduction of her car, and she has become a regular face throughout her patch.

For PCSO Rayment it is not just a means to pay the bills. The young officer said she is proud to put on her uniform every day.