NORTH Yorkshire Police say 250 people have signed up in the first week of a campaign to recruit more special constables.

The campaign was launched to boost the number of volunteers, and more than 3,500 people have since visited the website to get more information. Almost 400 of those have ‘expressed interest’, while 250 people have officially signed up.

“I am extremely pleased by the response to the campaign so far," said Police and Crime Commissioner for North Yorkshire, Julia Mulligan.

“If you have the wish to make a positive difference in your local community, I can think of no better way than by joining the special constabulary and becoming a member of this highly respected service.”

However, the Craven area has the lowest number of applicants compared to number of volunteers in York and Harrogate.

A webchat to support the campaign is now set to take place, from 5pm tonight, to give more information to those interested.

Anyone who would like to take part in the webchat, or learn more about the role of a special constable, should visit the new North Yorkshire Police specials website at www.nypspecials.com

Superintendent Richard Anderson, who holds the port folio for the Special Constabulary on behalf of North Yorkshire Police, added: “Those who join the service will find it a deeply rewarding experience which help them develop personally and professionally.”