POLICE in County Durham have launched a drive to recruit police community support officers (PCSO).

The officers, who tackle quality of life offences such as dog fouling, anti-social behaviour and drunkenness, have been operating in Darlington for six months and recently started in Durham.

More than 24 officers are expected to take to the streets of Chester-le-Street, Derwent-side and Sedgefield in the next few months.

Chief Inspector Neil Malkin said: "Our community support officers are doing exactly what their title suggests. They are not there to replace local beat bobbies, but to enhance the service they provide.

"Anyone interested in becoming a PCSO will find the job stimulating and rewarding.

"By being visible on the streets as they go about their tasks they offer reassurance to local people and a first point of contact.

"We expect them to gather information about what is going on in their areas and we see them very much as an integral part of the community.''

Advertisements for the community support officer posts are appearing in local newspapers, but people can also obtain application forms from the force's headquarters at Aykley Heads, Durham.

They should write to personnel services and enclose a self-addressed envelope with 42p-worth of stamps.