THESE two men have just been recruited to the oldest police force in the country.

Stephen Reid, 52, and John Morris, 49, have joined the ten-strong team guarding York Minster.

The pair are now responsible for the security of the historic landmark, its gardens and several neighbouring buildings, including St William's College.

Mr Morris, who spent 25 years working for the RAF Police across the globe, said the role was "an enormous honour". He said: "We are responsible for everything from public order in the gardens to helping to guard Royal visitors and the Archbishop of York.

"It's obviously an incredible building and the people who work here and visit are terrific.

"When you are here at night, after you have locked everything up and you are the only person left, the feeling is fantastic."

The York Minster police force has its origins in the 14th century, but was formally founded in 1829 after a fire was started in the ancient building by religious fanatic Jonathan Martin - who had hidden in St Nicholas Chapel after evensong.

At a chapter meeting on March 6, 1829, the Dean and Chapter decreed: "Henceforward a watchman/constable shall be employed to keep watch every night in and about the cathedral."

Today the force operates from a new office which has recently opened off the North Choir Aisle, and is marked by two old-fashioned truncheons hanging next to the door.

Its beat duties include handling thousands of keys for the expansive and intricate premises. They vary from ten inch antiques that unlock huge thirteenth century wooden doors, to tiny modern padlock keys for the workmen's Portaloo in the staff car park.

Minster spokeswoman Eleanor Course said: "The police are a great asset to the cathedral both by making it a safe and secure place and by providing a friendly face to many of our visitors."

:: Private Police

Minster Police is the only private force outside the Vatican.

The term Minster Police was first coined in 1855.

Members of the force do not need to have had any police training to join up.

Constables have no special powers of arrest, but can make a citizen's arrest.

Sir Robert Peel is said to have examined the way Minster Police was run before forming the modern British police force in London.

Updated: 10:33 Wednesday, June 22, 2005