LORRAINE Thompson's hard work and selfless contributions have been reflected in posters across the town since she and two colleagues became the faces of Croydon Police.

The devoted PCSO has gone above and beyond the call of duty every day since she joined the force three years ago.

She has laboured tirelessly – even during her holidays – to set up resource centres for the borough's most vulnerable residents, helped people receive the benefits they are entitled to and launched Octopus Community Enterprise scheme, to transform hundreds of lives.

This week Lorraine has organised Salad Days, which will see out-of-work people – some of whom are homeless or recovering alcoholics and drug addicts – make new signs for each market stall in Surrey Street.

She said: "In the olden days all the stands had a swinging plaque with their stalls in Surrey Street Market so we are making every single stall a sign to brighten up the street.

"It's amazing to see drug addicts that have turned their lives around, cutting the wood to the right size, another group sanding them down.

"They are all so enthusiastic.

"It's bringing the community of stall holders together with the guys who used to be sleeping rough behind their stalls."

Octopus Community Enterprise has teamed-up with artist duo Jeanne-Marie Eayrs and Susan Beresford, known as UnderCroydon, to tackle the challenge.

The colourful pair has been teaching around 15 people how to make and paint the signs.

Lorraine, 51, added: "It takes their minds off the drugs and alcohol.

"I have seen such a big difference in people when they have something to concentrate on.

"I'm so proud of them.

"To see people that felt worthless and had nothing in their lives, being part of a team, making new friends and growing in confidence – it's absolutely fantastic.

"How they have moved on with their lives is incredible."

Lorraine also organises regular litter picks around the town centre through Octopus, and is constantly thinking of new projects for members to work on.

Her adoring fans on the street proved just how much she means to them last year when they campaigned doggedly to keep her in Croydon after the Met announced officers could be moved.

And homeless people even told the Advertiser how they choose not to commit crime anymore for fear of disappointing Lorraine.

As well as being the face of the police the beloved PCSO has been immortalised in a mural of the town's favourite faces in the Whitgift Centre, also painted by UnderCroydon.

She continued: "My daughter wrote on her Facebook the other day 'Came to Croydon to do shopping but I can't escape from my mum – she's everywhere!'".