POLICE in Wiltshire are looking for volunteers to become special constables.

The force is holding a recruitment drive in February to let people know what is involved in being a volunteer officer.

Wiltshire Constabulary has received nearly £70,000 additional funding from the Home Office to recruit and train an extra 70 Specials in the new financial year.

Twelve new officers will be soon pounding the beat in Swindon, Melksham and Salisbury.

Newly trained Nathan Ricketts said: "I became a special to use my free time to aid the community and develop my skills, in order to join the force full time one day."

His colleague Louise Corson said: "I joined the specials to have fun while also doing something worthwhile. I have met some great people already and am looking forward to going out on duty."

To kick start the recruitment drive in February an open evening with information from specials and regular police officers is being held at Police HQ in Devizes from 7pm on February 3.

In the Melksham division, covering north and west Wiltshire, there will be posters and displays in leisure centres, libraries, and employers' canteens.

More information from www.wiltshire.police.uk or www.specialconstables.gov.uk