EIGHT new Special Constables have been sworn in by North Yorkshire Police.

The new volunteer officers wee attested in front of friends and family at Northallerton Magistrates’ Court last week, following three months of training.

They will now be assigned a tutor constable and go out on the beat, with two based in York, and one each in Northallerton, Skipton, Scarborough, Richmond, Harrogate and Selby.

Among the new specials is Paramjit Bilkhu, known as Pinki, who has been blogging about her experience in training to join the volunteer group on the police website.

Pinki, who will be based in Selby, said: “After five months of pushing myself both physically and mentally, I’m really proud of how far I’ve come and what I’ve managed to achieve. Juggling the training, life, and a full-time job has been difficult, but I wouldn’t have been able to do if it wasn’t for the support from trainers, family and friends.

“I’ve met some great people along the way and I’m really excited to embark on this adventure and continue to exceed my own expectations and finally be able to make a difference in society.”

Special Constables are volunteer officers who give up their own time to support their regular colleagues, and have the same uniform and powers in law as regular police officers, including the power of arrest.

Deputy Chief Constable Lisa Winward said all eight officers should be proud to reach “this major milestone”, which she said was “an achievement that requires a lot of dedication and hard work”

DCC Winward said: “I would like to thank them all for giving up their own time to help us protect the communities of North Yorkshire. Policing is a challenging job, and the support of family and friends is extremely important, so my thanks also goes to them for their support so far, and over the coming months, as our new officers take up their operational duties.” Police and Crime Commissioner Julia Mulligan said: “I congratulate the eight specials joining the North Yorkshire Police family. I wish them all the best of luck in their new role and in keeping North Yorkshire as one of the safest places in England.” Pinki’s blog is at northyorkshire.police.uk/specials