TRIBUTES have been paid to a popular police community support officer, who has died following a battle with cancer.

Holmes Chapel PCSO Jill Cope, 54, was diagnosed last year with oesophageal cancer, which affects the tube carrying food from the throat to the stomach.

The mum-of-two passed away at St Luke’s Hospice in Winsford on Monday, August 7.

Inspector Penny Jones, from Crewe local policing unit, said: “I was Jill’s line manager, colleague and friend for a number of years and she was a huge asset to Cheshire Constabulary.

“She touched many people’s lives through her role as a PCSO and also through her many charity fundraising events.

“Jill will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.”

Jill had described her job covering Holmes Chapel with Cheshire Police as ‘the best she ever had’.

Her work within the community, particularly with primary and secondary school children, has contributed towards key improvements to the village.

Only months ago, Jill cut the ribbon at the official opening of the new Holmes Chapel skate park at the community centre.

She had joined forces with Holmes Chapel Comprehensive School students to raise £25,000 for the park, something villagers had been wanting for years.

Inspector Mark Gammage said: “Jill’s enthusiasm for life was infectious and it was a privilege to call her my friend.

“Her charity work, both on and off duty, made a huge difference to many people’s lives and when Jill asked you to do something, you did it.

“She will be sorely missed by the many people whose lives she touched and my thoughts are with her family, her children Matt and Lincy of whom she was so proud and her partner Mark at this sad time.”

Jill’s work in Sandbach local policing team, part of Crewe LPU, also saw her occasionally work in partnership with colleagues across mid Cheshire.

What are your memories of Jill? Visit our Facebook page or comment below to leave your tributes.