WILTSHIRE Probation Service has appointed six new trainee probation officers this month, as part of a national recruitment drive.

Over the last three years only two have been taken on each year and the increase is part of the Government strategy to reduce the amount of re-offending.

Wiltshire's assistant chief officer Graham Beech said competition for the places had been intense more than 1,000 people nationally applied and they were delighted with the quality of the candidates.

Training will be undertaken at various work locations under the guidance of experienced probation officers, interspersed with periods of academic study.

"The course takes two years and is part on-the-job and part studying for a degree in criminal justice studies, plus an NVQ qualification, so it is very intensive and extremely hard going," said Mr Beech

"You are effectively studying for a degree in two years, as well as gaining experience working with other qualified officers."

"The minimum age for an applicant is 22 and we are trying to attract people who have got experience of life and other forms of work.

"In the past three years we have taken on people with backgrounds in engineering, the Forces, mental health and disability work, among others.

"We are also looking for applicants from minority ethnic communities."

New applicants will be sought again in March, although the number has not yet been finalised.