PENNINE police have come up with a new way of ensuring officers are not only highly visible but quick off the mark too.

Community Beat Officers now have the option of pedal-powered patrols in addition to foot patrols.

They will be supplied with the bicycles along with a specially adapted uniform of leggings, body armour, a fluorescent vest and safety helmet.

Inspector Paul Robinson said: "Local residents have welcomed the arrival of our four community beat officers who have so far worked on foot.

"However while carrying out foot patrol increases accessibility and visibility it does mean that it takes them more time to get around their beat and to attend to some of their more urgent calls, which is why we decided to equip some of them with cycles.

"We chose cycles rather than cars because although we want them to be able to move quickly when required we still want people to be able to flag them down. Having two wheels rather than four also means officers can access places they wouldn't be able to get to in cars and quite often these are the types of places frequented by offenders."

PC Julie Fort, of Nelson Police, said: "I think the cycles are a great idea and I'm looking forward to carrying out some of my duties by bike. Having my own transport will enable me to get from job to job quicker while still being able to stop and chat to local people so I think it's a great idea which will benefit both the police and the public."