A RECRUITMENT drive for special police constables has been launched in Darlington.

Police chiefs are hoping to recruit as many volunteers as possible to support the town's regular officers.

People who sign up will be given six months' training, after which they will have exactly the same powers as regular police officers.

Specials are expected to spend about four hours a week on police work and they are paid expenses.

Geoff Knupfer, County Durham's special constabulary chief officer, said the force was especially keen to recruit career specials.

"We get a lot of people using the specials as a stepping stone to get into the police, which is fine," he said.

"But we are anxious to recruit more people who intend to stay in the specials. It is a really good way to get involved in the community, help others and it looks great on a CV."

There are about 100 special constables, aged 18 to 50, in County Durham.

"We always need more and we are particularly focusing on Darlington at the moment," said Mr Knupfer.

"There is always a shortage of uniformed police presence and anything we can do to support the regular service goes down extremely well.

"Obviously, the training is intensive. People have got to be fit, have good eyesight and health, and a reasonable standard of education."

Anyone interested is asked to call the recruitment line on (01325) 742182.