AS a former driving instructor he is more used to laying down rubber than laying down the law, but all that is set to change for new Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) Thomas Bignell.

The 28-year-old has been appointed as the PCSO for Coalclough with Deerplay in Burnley, taking over from PCSO Dave Johnson.

Pendle-born PCSO Bignell will work alongside the local Community Beat Manager and a further five colleagues from the neighbourhood response team, in order to help combat crime and disorder and provide a reassuring police presence for local residents.

He said: "I've done a variety of different jobs since I left Walton High School - I've worked in factories, in an office, in retail and even trained as a driving instructor but now I think I've found the perfect job.

"Working for the police is challenging but I think it's fair to say life is never dull or routine - I'm quickly finding that no two days are the same."

He added: "I thoroughly enjoyed the PCSO training and now I'm really looking forward to putting it into practice. I've already had a walk around my beat and met quite a few people and now I'm ready and raring to begin working with them to help tackle local problems.

"So far the main problem appears to be anti-social behaviour but if anyone knows anything different then I'd be happy to hear from them.

"They can either contact me direct on voicemail or mobile or come along to the next Police and Communities Together (PACT) meeting at the Post Office on December 21, from 11am to noon."

When he is working PCSO Bignell can be contacted on voicemail 01282 472048 or mobile 07944 892183.