THIRTEEN recruits with Cleveland Police are being sworn in today.

The 12 men and one woman have spent the past fortnight getting a taste of life in the force and the districts where they will be based.

They will spend the next three months on an intensive training course in Durham.

For most of the new officers, aged in their late 20s and early 30s, it is a second career move.

Sergeant Gary French said of the newcomers: "For many it is a complete change.

"It is unusual that this group are older, but this is becoming more common.

"We find they have a more mature outlook, are perhaps more level headed and know better how to handle people."