Lancashire Police has welcomed 33 new officers to the front line of the constabulary.

The new recruits will now be heading out across the county to begin their careers serving and protecting the people of Lancashire.

An attestation ceremony was held at Lancashire Police headquarters at Hutton on Thursday evening (January 5) to swear in the new officers who have joined through the Degree Holder Entry Programme (DHEP).

They were sworn in by Chief Constable Chris Rowley, with family and friends looking proudly on.

Chief Constable Rowley said: “It is fantastic to officially welcome these new officers to the Lancashire Police family.

“The officers have been through a rigorous selection and training programme. They are expected to be role models in the community by holding the highest standards of public service, preventing and fighting crime to keep our communities safe, always putting victims first.

“In due course these extra numbers will really help to ease the pressure on teams so that our communities receive the best service.”

Andrew Snowden, Lancashire's Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “It's fantastic to congratulate our newest officers and to welcome them into the Lancashire policing family.

“This event is a proud moment in their lives, and I'm encouraged to see their energy and enthusiasm to fight crime and to keep people safe out on our streets, which we all want to see.

“It's great to see new officers coming into the force and bolstering our ranks to continue taking the fight to criminals, with Lancashire on course for over 600 extra officers thanks to the Government Uplift Programme and Council Tax Precept.

“These officers will make a real difference, helping us to crack down on crime and deliver on the priorities that the people of Lancashire have told me matter most to them.”