PEOPLE in Winsford are being given the chance to make a real difference in the community by becoming a member of Cheshire Volunteer Police Reserve.

The reserve wants to encourage residents to join the service as special constables - unpaid volunteers who have many of the same powers as regular police officers and have a long history of being an essential part of the police force.

And a recruitment drive this Saturday, February 22, will see officers take over part of the town centre to tell the public just how rewarding work as a special constable can be.

Recruitment stands will be set up near the war memorial as part of a national campaign to increase the numbers of special constables on the streets of Britain.

And with the focus on anti-social behaviour in Winsford under the spotlight in recent weeks, working as part of the police force offers residents an ideal chance to do play a vital part in stamping out disorder.

Divisional Officer Guy Story is organising the drive and had high praise for police officers from Winsford.

He said: "The officers we have from Winsford are some of the most pro-active and high performing officers from around the county.

"They really seem to take a lot of pride in policing their community.

"The training to be a special constable is not easy, with the syllabus being the same as for a regular officer but over a different period of time.

"But if you are dedicated and you complete it the sense of purpose really makes it all worthwhile."

For more information contact the recruitment hotline on 01244 614026 or get down to the town centre stalls on Saturday.

rfraser@guardiangrp.co.uk