A POLICE Community Support Officer (PCSO) has spoken of her anticipation at working in the community as her force is set to launch a recruitment drive.

PCSO Vanessa Hocking has encouraged residents of the Cleveland Police area to consider joining her as a paid PCSO or a voluntary Special

Constable ahead of the force opening applications on its website for the roles on Wednesday, from 11.30am.

She said: "As part of my training I participated in a community placement which I thoroughly enjoyed.

"I felt I gained a lot of knowledge about the diverse communities we are surrounded by. I am now looking forward to commencing on shift with my team and getting out into the heart of my community."

A spokesman for the force said the roles represented a chance to work for an employer with real career opportunities.

He said: "Cleveland Police offers a number of exciting and challenging opportunities for anyone wishing to join the police service.

"Working for the police service means that not only do we offer great and rewarding career opportunities, but it also provides individuals with the opportunity to make a real difference by contributing to our local communities.

"Through working in partnership with our local communities, demonstrating our professionalism through the services that we provide, providing policing support to a diverse number of people across our region, and problem solving local, regional, national, and international issues, we aim to deliver an efficient and effective policing service for the 21st century for the people of Cleveland."

For details, visit cleveland.police.uk/careers/