A POLICE force is to recruit up to 60 new officers over the next few months.

Durham Police has revealed plans to add dozens of new officers to the ranks, with a new round of recruitment starting on October 31.

Faced with budget cuts, the force announced a two-year recruitment freeze in October 2010, but took on 24 new officers in February 2013.

It has now announced the start of a process which will see a further 60 recruits taking up positions next year.

Ron Hogg, Durham Police and Crime Commissioner said: “Despite a difficult financial challenge facing the force, I am delighted that the chief constable is able to re-commence recruitment.

“This is excellent news for the citizens and businesses within County Durham and Darlington.”

Chief Constable Mike Barton said; “By making early progress on saving money, which has been driven by cuts to our levels of funding, we are now able to start recruiting police officers at the end of this month.

“This is a long process which underlines the need to make sure we get high quality individuals to join a family force which has high levels of satisfaction and confidence, as well as low levels of crime.

“Policing continues to evolve and remains an excellent career for those wanting to join us.”

Application packs will be available to download from the force website from 9am on October 31 and must be submitted to police headquarters at Aykley Heads by 5pm on Friday, November 14.

Police say only the first 1,000 applications will be considered and any received after the deadline will not be included in the process.

An assessment centre will be held the week, starting January 5, with each individual’s overall score determining if they will proceed to the final interview stage.

Durham currently has 1,231 police officers, as well as 150 Police Community Support Officers and 90 Special Constables.