ST MARTIN'S College now has its own community bobbies available to all staff and students.

PC Andy Jackson and community support officer Sarah Chadwick are on the college's Lancaster campus every Monday, holding open surgeries in the Melling Building from 10am until noon.

Services they can offer include security coding of mobile phones and laptops, crime prevention and personal safety advice.

They can also serve as confidential referees concerning alleged crime or even as an initial talking point for anyone interested in a career in policing.

PC Jackson says: "This is a really positive initiative for both the police and the college. It promises to be of real benefit to all concerned."

And Sarah adds: "We want people to feel comfortable approaching us and welcome anyone with any concerns.

"We also hope that this initiative encourages other institutions to see community policing as a collaborative process."