MALTON has a new special constable in the latest round of recruitments to join North Yorkshire Police.

Altogether 26 new Special Constables were welcomed to the force at an attestation ceremony held at police headquarters in Newby Wiske last week.

The volunteer officers were sworn in by Duncan Webster JP, deputy chairman of the bench at Northallerton Magistrates’ Court.

They will now work with experienced colleagues on their neighbourhood beats who will guide them through the next phase of their training - which can take up to two years.

Assistant Chief Constable Ken McIntosh said: “Being a Special Constable takes a lot of time, energy and sacrifice and in reaching this milestone, our new officers can be extremely proud of themselves. It takes a special kind of person to juggle employment, family commitments and leisure time with the demands of being a Special Constable.

“I thank them all for choosing to give up their time for North Yorkshire’s communities and welcome them to the force, they can look forward to a challenging but very rewarding career.”

The 26 specials will be based in the following areas:

• York and Selby: 11 specials

Scarborough and Whitby: nine specials

Malton: one special

• Northallerton: three specials

• Richmond and Harrogate: one special for each area