POLICE pounding a rural beat may star in a fly-on-the-wall documentary, provisionally called Country Cops.

The programmes will be based on police in Ryedale, showing officers in different roles, from community beat officers to the road policing group.

Diverse Productions hopes to win a commission from BBC2 to make the series, which would probably be for family viewing and aired on daytime television.

Inspector Neil Burnett, Rye-dale area commander, said: "Researchers have spent quite a lot of time with us already, working side by side with the officers while they carry out their duties.

"They're looking to run a series of programmes on rural policing, particularly in Malton and Ryedale specifically as an area. There are lots of programmes about road policing, city cops and serious crime, but not so many about rural police."

Insp Burnett said he was confident that the programmes would show the force in a positive way.

"I fully expect the series will portray North Yorkshire Police in a professional capacity and as providing a professional service," he said.

"The programme will be about the community as much as it is about policing. I think Ryedale has a lot to offer. If the area gets this kind of national television coverage, the district as a whole will benefit, not just policing."

Published: 22/06/2004