POLICE have strengthened their team on the beat with more community support officers taking to the streets.

Nineteen new officers have completed their foundation course in North Yorkshire and will serve across the county.

And they were welcomed to the force in a passing out ceremony held at police headquarters in Newby Wiske, near Northallerton, hosted by Chief Constable Grahame Maxwell and police authority chairman Jane Kenyon.

The new recruits have completed an intensive eight-week training course at Poppleton Leisure Centre in York, incorporating a variety of modules, including law, personal safety, information technology and first aid.

They have also undertaken a three-day community placement, working with an organisation or charity within the area they are due to serve.

PC Chris Mudd of the police’s training unit said: "The course was rewarding for everyone involved with a team spirit quickly evolving within the group and a bond now exists that I’m certain will be for life.

"I am proud of the team and look back on their journey with nothing but happy memories.

"I have had the pleasure of tutoring some talented individuals who I am certain will go on to be valued members of the community within North Yorkshire."

The chief constable added: "PCSOs play a key role within the policing family, engaging with communities and addressing issues affecting the lives of local people and they play an important part in helping to make our neighbourhoods safer.

"I welcome them to the force and wish them all well in what will be a very rewarding, varied and interesting career."