WEST Devon has been prioritised by Devon and Cornwall Police to recruit more Special Constables.

The police are keen to receive expressions of interest from members of the public to come along and become a 'Special' in the community where they live. Recruitment closes on October 22, but is likely to reopen in early 2014.

'Specials' have the same powers as regular officers and wear a similar uniform.

People join the specials for many different reasons, including wanting to give something back to the community; to learn new skills and gain valuable experience; to challenge themselves; to learn first-hand about the police force itself before joining its ranks on a full-time basis.

Former Tavistock PC Simon Dell said: 'Since retiring from the full-time police service after 32 years I became a volunteer Special Constable and am now the superintendent for the volunteer officers in North and West Devon from Roborough Down up to Lynton and Lynmouth in the north and from Cornwall across to Somerset.

'I have 55 Specials in my team doing some amazing work in their communities, towns and villages. But we are losing really good Specials now as they leave to join the ranks of the full-time police service, so we need to increase our numbers to sustain that steady flow as my team move on to become full-time officers.'

Special Constables in North and West Devon have arrested or assisted in the arrest of more than 140 suspects in 2013 and helped regular officers with recorded interviews of suspects, the execution of search warrants and various policing operations.

A police spokesperson added: 'Joining the specials opens up a world of opportunity for personal and professional advancement.

'Undergoing the training and then going out on patrol makes a welcome break from day-to-day life, bringing excitement and challenge with every day they volunteer.'

Anyone interested in applying to become a Special Constable can visit http://www.devon-cornwall.police.uk">www.devon-cornwall.police.uk clicking on the 'join us' tab.

Interview will take place at Okehampton Police Station in mid-December.