Businesses across Lancashire have been showing their support for the county's special constabulary.

Several employers have agreed to offer their staff support to join the police force on a voluntary basis by actively encouraging them to apply and giving them paid time off.

Insp Wendy Bower said: "Officers in our special constabulary come from a variety of backgrounds and it is great to see local businesses offering them the support they need to take on this important role.

"Joining the specials can give a person a great sense of fulfilment - it gives them a chance to get involved with the community and make a real difference to the people living there."

At the beginning of March Lancashire Constabulary announced that it had appointed a Chief Officer, Nigel Walters, to oversee its special constabulary.

Chief Officer Walters joined the special constabulary in 2003 and was working as a special sergeant in Preston prior to being appointed. He works at BAE Systems on the Eurofighter Typhoon project in the project management department.

Paul Ethell, Human Resources Director, BAE Systems Combat Air said: "As a socially responsible company, we positively encourage our employees to put the skills learned in the workplace to good use in support of our local communities. We're really pleased that Nigel's endeavours have been recognised through such a significant promotion."

Lancashire Constabulary has a total of 470 special constables.

Pictured is Chief Officer Nigel Walters at BAE Systems.