TEN new police officers began their training in Morecambe this week.

They are the third set of recruits to be based in the resort after the success of the original Morecambe police training project.

It revolutionised the way new officers are trained up and down the country - with similar training units now being established in a variety of areas.

Morecambe recruits now receive training previously provided by a centre in Warrington while being based in a operational police station and carrying out practical exercises on the streets of the resort.

Project Manager Simon Twist says: "Lancashire is leading the way in terms of setting up local training units after the success of the two previous Morecambe intakes.

"These local training units are fantastic news for both our communities and our recruits. Local residents and businesses benefit from an increased police presence and the recruits benefit from learning on the job, in and around the towns and villages that they will eventually patrol."

Students will complete a 40-week training programme taking in both theoretical and practical work. Areas covered will include legislation and the criminal justice system, safety, interview skills, drug abuse, firearms and forensics.

They will be expected to take part in practical exercises with local volunteers enacting incidents like road accidents and will also carry out foot patrol in company with training constables.