Avon and Somerset Police want to boost its fight against crime by recruiting an extra 196 officers and 164 support staff, as well as buying new specialist equipment.

The figures, revealed in budget plans for next year, would mean police and civilian staff numbers rising by 6% and 8% respectively.

The budget proposals - due to be debated at a police authority meeting on 12 February - would mean an average weekly council tax increase of 54p in the force areas.

Avon and Somerset will have the second cheapest police service in the region John Christensen

Chief Constable Steve Pilkington said: "A balance has to be struck between the number of employees and the equipment and resources they need to do their jobs effectively."

Police Authority chairman, John Christensen, said: "Efficiencies and savings totalling around £1.6m have helped offset some of the costs.

"But we believe the increase is essential if the force is to continue tackling policing issues in Bristol and provide a quality service to people living in other parts of the force area.

"But even with this increase, Avon and Somerset will have the second cheapest police service in the region in terms of cost to council tax payers."