DEFENCE Minister Michael Fallon visited Cumbria to back the Tory candidate for the upcoming Police and Crime Commissioner elections.

The prospective PCC, Peter McCall, wants more former soldiers to sign-up and become special constables.

The retired Army Colonel, who completed 34 years of service,  believes ex-servicemen and women have 'the perfect background' to fulfil the role.

Special constables are voluntary positions within forces but still hold some of the same powers as regular officers and wear a similar uniform.

Successful applicants join the beat after training, with many going into full-time employment with the police after a spell of volunteering.

Welcoming Mr McCall's plan, Mr Fallon said: "Peter is a fantastic candidate, whose army background makes him ideally suited to take up this challenging role as Police and Crime Commissioner. 

"His plan to encourage more former armed forces servicemen and women to become Special Constables is one I wholeheartedly support. 

"They already have the self-discipline, service ethos, fitness and leadership experience to make a real contribution to our communities.  

"The upcoming Police and Crime Commissioner elections are important. People can vote for a candidate who promises the world but delivers unsafe streets and wasted money, who cuts local policing and raises taxes for hardworking people. 

"Or they can vote for a Conservative PCC: someone who will work with the Government to deliver lower crime and safer communities, all while providing effective use of police resources."

Mr McCall said: "Becoming a Special Constable is a practical way to help keep Cumbria safe.

"If I become Police and Crime Commissioner I want to increase the number of Special Constables.  Our brave former military personnel living locally have the perfect background to do the job.

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"I know this from my years of experience in the army and I would be able to work with local army groups to promote the opportunity.

"Volunteering as a Special is a great thing for anyone to do whatever their background and shows real commitment to the safety of our communities.  

"It also produces a double benefit of boosting the new recruit's experience and career prospects, whilst saving money for Cumbrian Police to invest in more visible policing on the frontline."