The popular BBC television presenter died after she was attacked near her home in Fulham, west London. Police have launched a murder inquiry.

"There is a real upsurge of emotion in the town," said Mayor John Hayes. "It's very said news, everyone is dreadfully sorry and astounded. Jill was well respected and loved here."

He said she worked hard at fund-raising and gave the town "great publicity".

Ms Dando is remembered for her charity work in the town

Ms Dando, 37, was born in the Somerset town, and attended Worle Comprehensive school. She went on to become head girl of Broadoak Sixth Form Centre.

Broadoak's headteacher John Barnbrook described her as a "model pupil" and a "very self-assured young lady".

He said that when he met her last year "there was an air of comfort around her", and that he was the town's "local hero" and "beautiful national figure".

She was a temporary mayoress in the late 1970s, acting as an escort for Mayor John Crockford-Horley.

'Unspoilt, sunny and genuine'

Praising her "warm and bubbly character", Mr Hayes said he was interviewed by Ms Dando 20 years ago when she was beginning her career in journalism.

"She was charming, bubbly and full of fun, and in later years even more so," he said.

A close teenage friend of Ms Dando, Gaye Shepherd, 38, who still lives in the town, had known her since 1977.

"She was a lovely person, unspoilt, sunny and perfectly genuine in every way," she said. "I am angry at the monster who killed her. I can't comprehend how anyone could do that."

'Our local princess'

An old friend of Ms Dando's, Robbie Burns, also from the town, said they had been in the local drama society together. He said they had a few "friendly dates together" when she was 18.

"She didn't change with fame but became even more beautiful, from a gawky young girl of 5ft 11in her style just developed," he said. "She was our local princess, beautiful inside and out. Her death has really hit the town."

He also likened her to Diana, Princess of Wales. He said it was sad that the life of "someone so beautiful should come to such an abrupt and untimely end, when things were going so well".

Staff and councillors of North Somerset Council expressed great sorrow at her murder.

"She made an enormous contribution to the town through her TV and charity work. The town is mourning a special person and she will be greatly missed by everyone," said Chief Executive Paul May.