POLICE in Wootton Bassett will be holding an open evening on Thursday to encourage more special constables to sign up.

Information about joining the force will be available at the police station between 7pm and 8pm.

Wiltshire Police is holding similar recruitment evenings at other stations across the county.

Special constables, who have the same powers as regular officers, are unpaid but receive expenses.

Derek Flexer, 45, section officer at Wootton Bassett, who has been a special for four-and-a-half years, said: "They are an important link between the community and police service."

Anyone interested can call 01380 722341.