ESSEX Police has paid tribute to its “innovative” first female superintendent after she died age 96.

Helen Welburn, whose police career spanned 28 years, joined Essex Police in 1970, having transferred to the force from Cheshire.

During her time in Essex, she was hailed as a visionary who paved the way for equality for women in policing.

She was in charge of the women’s department, playing an instrumental role in preparing female officers for the disbanding of the department in 1975, when equal pay was established.

After 1975, women could begin training to do the same jobs as male officers.

Ms Welburn retired in 1977, but remained a well-known and respected figure among Essex officers.

Cat Barrie, chairman of Essex Police women’s leadership and development forum, said: “Superintendent Helen Welburn will be sorely missed by her family, friends, colleagues and community for the many contributions that she made during her life and she will also be missed by the many people who did not get the opportunity to meet her.

“The women’s leadership and development forum in Essex are indebted for her innovative and modern thinking which helped to shape the way for women in policing throughout this county and in England and Wales.

“She will be remembered as an inspirational giant ahead of her time.”

Ms Welburn’s policing career began in 1949, where she was a top student at Cheshire Police’s training school.

She quickly rose through the ranks, being promoted to sergeant within four years and becoming the first female chairman of the Cheshire Police Federation.

Ms Welburn was a driving force behind reform in Essex Police ahead of the 1975 Sex Discrimination Act coming into effect, pushing for female officers to become involved in a full range of police duties.

WPC Jane Pepper became the first Essex woman to work full-time on traffic patrol and soon after every CID office in the county had an experienced female officer among its detective constables.