COOKLEY and Wolverley have a new beat manager who intends to bring in new schemes to tackle crime in the villages.

PC Sally Sliwinska, an officer for three years, plans to introduce the national initiatives of Horse Watch and Farm Watch for villagers.

Both aim to raise awareness of crime specific to rural communities, increase vigilance and improve communication with the police.

A series of surgeries is also planned to demonstrate property marking and offer crime prevention advice to residents.

PC Sliwinska said: "I am very much enjoying getting out and about meeting key members of the communities and I encourage people to approach me to share their views."

She also urged residents to attend the village's first Partners and Communities Together - PACT - meeting at Wolverley High School, in Blakeshall Lane, on Monday, at 7pm.