A POLICE force is planning to recruit 80 new officers.

Applications open tomorrow (Thursday) for people hoping to become constables at Durham Police.

Chief Constable Mike Barton said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to join the country’s best performing police force and make a real difference in your community.

“I would encourage anyone who has the passion, dedication, professionalism and courage to go the extra mile to provide the best possible service to the people of County Durham and Darlington to apply.”

Ron Hogg, Police, Crime and Victims’ Commissioner for County Durham and Darlington said: “Policing is a great career, with good long-term prospects for the right people.”

This is the fifth year the force has recruited for new officers following a two-year recruitment freeze, announced in 2010.

Applications open at 9.30am tomorrow and the deadline in Friday, July 28, or when 1,000 applications are received.