TWO new recruits have been welcomed to Redditch's Special Police Force.

Special Constables Nicola Grimsby and Russell Longhurst were sworn in at a ceremony at West Mercia Constabulary headquarters.

Four further Special Constables, Raymond Callaghan, Ryan Cockram, Vanessa Conde and Hazel Price, have also joined the force and will be based in Kidderminster.

The new recruits were welcomed to the wider police force by Assistant Chief Constable Ian Arundale.

Chris Cookson, commandant of D Division, said: "These new officers will be a valuable asset to the police and the wider community.

"Specials carry out a variety of duties from foot patrols to targeted mobile patrols.

"We are currently looking at quality of life issues such as antisocial behaviour but we get involved in pretty well everything our regular officer colleagues do."

Last month, Redditch's special officers took part in a weekend drive to tackle anti-social behaviour and vehicle crime in the town as part of a National Specials Weekend to raise the profile of that part of the force.

Anyone wanting to become a special officer can call Barrie Vale on 08457 444 888.