A DRIVE to recruit more black and ethnic police to Wiltshire is paying off.

Just over a year ago the force appointed Sergeant Christian Lange to look at recruitment, retention and progression of race minority staff.

Since then the force has seen a 100 per cent increase in applications from this section of the community, with four people taken on.

Police have also been working closely with the racial equality councils and Swin-don Race Coalition.

Work has included developing an advertising campaign, using focus groups to establish which ideas are best to attract people from all backgrounds.

As part of the recruitment drive, the force has organised a series of awareness events around the county.

The next in Swindon is set for the Broadgreen Centre in Broad Street from 7pm on October 1.

The aim is to give potential applicants a realistic insight into the life of a police officer.

Anyone interested in going to the event should contact PS Lange on 01380) 722341.