COLLEAGUES and friends said a final farewell to Ch Supt Sandy Padgett at an “extremely moving” service.

Hundreds of mourners gathered in Wells Cathedral on Friday for the funeral of one of Somerset’s top police officers.

As reported, Ch Supt Sandy Padgett, the top police officer covering Taunton, Wellington, Bridgwater, Burnham and Minehead, collapsed and died following a short and sudden illness on October 3.

She was just 41 and was married with two young children.

Chairman of the bench, Dick Macey, said: “It was an extremely moving funeral.

“The cathedral was packed and it was a clear indication of the strength of feeling across the force towards Sandy.

“She was very well respected and that came across in the chief constable’s address.

“Her husband was there with their two children – I admire their strength, I think I would have cracked under those circumstances but they held it together brilliantly.”

And Police Authority chair Dr Moira Hamlin said: “Sandy was a committed and talented officer who’ll be greatly missed.

“She’s been a leading light in the constabulary in many initiatives including Citizen Focused Policing where she was passionate about providing the best service to the public and making a difference for local communities.

“She cared deeply about her role as West Somerset District Commander and her loss is felt across the entire county and force.

“Our deepest sympathies go to her husband and children.”

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