A PCSO who has served in the borough for 11 years has been commended in Canada.

PCSO Guinnie Mooneesawmy was given the International Association of Women Police's (IAWP) community service award at a ceremony in Winnipeg on October 1.

The association represents the interests of women police officers internationally, aims to stregthen, unite and raise the profile of female law enforcers and recognises the work they do.

PCSO Mooneesawmy joined Richmond police in 2003 and was posted to the Richmond town centre safer neighbourhood team.

She is one of the longest serving PCSOs and is known in the force for her professionalism, dedication and hard work which results in daily arrests.

Along with setting up Richmond Business Watch and introducing the Richmond town link radio system, PCSO Mooneesawmy created Richmond Pub Watch; a crime prevention scheme for licensed premises.

As part of the scheme, she introduced door staff to facial recognition and the town centre radio links to help reduce offences.

PCSO Mooneesawmy receieved the award recognising her work at a special lucheon attended by police women from around the world.

She said: "I would like to say thanks to my Sergeant Les Jackson and Inspector Hannah Wheeler for nominating me for this award as well as to the Metropolitan Police for their support in allowing me to attend Winnipeg. It was an honour for me to receive an award for the job I love.

"I would like to thank IAWP for their hospitality in Winnipeg."

Jane Townsley, president of IAWP, said: "It is clear from the nomination we received regarding PCSO Mooneesawmy that she is held in the highest regard by her colleagues and senior officers.

"They have described her as professional, positive, productive and successful and a true ambassador of the Metropolitan Police Service in London."