POLICE officers are feeling the strain after being asked to do less with more, according to the boss of a police group.

Writing in the Lancashire Police Federation annual report, chairman Rachel Hanley said 2017 had proved a challenging year for the force, with no suggestion things will improve in the future.

She said: "Since 2010, Lancashire Constabulary has had to make savings of over £72 million, with an estimated further £16 million to be saved by 2020.

"Any extra funding must come from council tax payers – there will be no extra money from

the Home Office to police Lancashire.

"Crime has increased both statistically and in complexity, and with the huge reduction in officer numbers.

"It’s no wonder that many officers are feeling the strain as we are left to pick up the pieces.

Ms Hanley added work was being done to improve understanding of mental health issues.

She said: "The newly expanded and refurbished St Michael’s Lodge at Langho is proving to be worth its weight in gold.

"Hundreds of officers from Lancashire have accessed services. This is for both muscular skeletal problems and for mental health support.

"It’s important that we continue to recognise and understand mental health issues.

"As such, we have recently trained many of our Federation Reps in mental health first aid.

"This is to enable them to better assist our colleagues."