A LECTURER, a photographer, a student and a casino inspector are among the latest recruits to join North Yorkshire Police’s Special Constabulary.

The newest team of 26 Special Constables were attested into the force at a ceremony at police headquarters this week by Duncan Webster JP, deputy chair of the bench at Northallerton Magistrates’ Court.

Eleven of the specials will be based in York and Selby, and all have already undertaken a three-month training period. Now, they will work with experienced colleagues for the next stage of their training, which will take up to two years.

Assistant Chief Constable Ken McIntosh said: "Being a Special Constable takes a lot of time, energy and sacrifice and in reaching this milestone, our new officers can be extremely proud of themselves. It takes a special kind of person to juggle employment, family commitments and leisure time with the demands of being a Special Constable.

"I thank them all for choosing to give up their time for North Yorkshire’s communities and welcome them to the force, they can look forward to a challenging but very rewarding career."

Scarborough and Whitby will share nine of the new specials, one will be based in Malton, three in Northallerton, and one each in Richmond and Harrogate.