YORK is set to get an extra 50 police community support officers.

North Yorkshire Police are recruiting a "significant number" of extra PCSOs across the county - 50 of which will work in York, according to the force's website.

There are vacancies being advertised across the county - including Scarborough or Harrogate - but the majority are wanted in York.

Carole Patrick, of Safer York Partnership, which is helping to organise the recruitment drive, said: "We are planning on substantially increasing the number of PCSOs in York.

"They are a crucial element of the police force because they are highly visible and available to the public."

She said people felt comforted knowing there was someone on hand to give advice or help if trouble broke out.

The number of PCSOs working across North Yorkshire rose by eight per cent to 80 in 2006. There are 30 working in York.

But according to a document to be put before North Yorkshire Police Authority's strategic planning board on Monday, more applicants are needed.

Jobs were first advertised in June but there were not enough candidates to fill training courses in September, October or November. There were 16 places available on each.

PCSO Tom Laurie, who works in Haxby, Strensall and Stockton-on-the-Forest, said: "My job involves dealing with low-level crime such as anti-social behaviour.

"I first joined this job to try and make a difference in the community where I live because we were suffering from high levels of graffiti, anti-social behaviour and underage drinking and PCSOs are the perfect way to help combat that alongside the police officers in the area."

He said the increased numbers would lead to more high-visibility patrols, which would deter criminals.

He said: "At the moment the number of PCSOs is increasing at a rapid rate and that will allow us to focus more on hotspot areas, rather than being spread so thinly."

The new PCSOs will work alongside police officers within the local neighbourhood policing teams.

Their powers include giving out fixed penalty notices for cycling on footpaths, dog fouling and littering, seizing abandoned vehicles, and confiscating alcohol from under-18s or people drinking in exclusion zones.

Their powers are also due to be extended in the near future to include, among other things, "using reasonable force", giving out fixed penalty notices for disorder, truancy and graffiti, and dispersing groups and taking under-16s home to their parents.