Specials work alongside regular police officers

Merseyside, Cheshire, Lancashire and Greater Manchester Police are all taking part in a national campaign to recruit more volunteer officers.

The special constables are uniformed volunteers who work alongside the regular police, and have the same powers.

As part of three-day campaign in Manchester, the county's 340 specials are to take to the streets to promote their work.

Merseyside Police has been chosen to take part in a national project to set standards for the recruitment of the volunteer officers.

It has also set up a Special Constabulary Neighbourhood Support Team and hopes its success will help recruit new volunteers.

Special Superintendent David Burgess-Joyce, who runs the Specials operations, said: "The role the Special Constabulary plays alongside their regular colleagues confirms the trust and support the Chief Constable gives to his volunteer officers."