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

This year's total increases the normal normal figure threefold.

The increase is part of the Government strategy to reduce the amount of re-offending. Only two per year were taken on over the last three years.

Wiltshire assistant chief officer Graham Beech said competition for the places had been intense more than 1,000 people applied nationally and he was 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.

"You are effectively studying for a degree in two years, as well as gaining experience working with other qualified officers," said Mr Beech. A number of the trainees are from the South West whilst others are from all over Britain, reflecting the fact that it is a national recruitment drive.