FANS of police drama The Bill who fancy themselves as a bit of an actor have the chance to test their talent.

For police trainers are looking for volunteers from all walks of life to play burglars, drunk drivers, yobs and crime victims.

Rookie officers from across the region take part in role-playing exercises as part of their training at the Northern Region National Police Training School, Durham City.

They have played all the roles themselves but now senior officers are making training more realistic by getting the public involved.

Inspector Brian Luke, the course manager, said: "Volunteers might find themselves playing the part of a drunk driver or someone reporting the theft of a purse.

"The officers involved are on week 14 of a 15-week course, so in just over a week, after community involvement day, they may be going out in uniform and facing members of the public for the first time in uniform.''

Insp Luke said officers found public involvement "invaluable" and felt it made the training more realistic.

The days are held every five weeks on a Thursday - the next on July 27 - between 9.30am and 4pm. Refreshments and a buffet are provided.

Anyone interested can call Sandra Summerbell on 0191-386 1366.