SPECIAL constables are taking part in key operations this weekend as part of a campaign to attract new recruits.

Men and women were helping full-time officers to police the match between Bolton Wanderers and Manchester United at the Reebok stadium today.

They are also taking part in a drive against petty crime in the town centre and staffing a mobile police station.

The force hopes highlighting the work they do will increase the number of specials in the town. Currently, there are 25 specials in Bolton. Six years ago the figure was 120. Peter Ryder, head of specials in Bolton, said: "Over the weekend, we are promoting high-visibility policing and showing we are a 24-hour service.

"If specials do wish to go on and join the regular force, we will do all we can to help them, but it is no guarantee."

Some specials were being based today in the force's mobile police station at Wolfenden Primary School in Wolfenden Street, Halliwell.

The mobile station -- called The CopShop -- is to be based in Halliwell for six months because of a high number of burglaries and muggings there over the last few months.

Commandant Ryder will be at Astley Bridge police station, Crompton Way, tomorrow, along with Insp Marie Donaldson from the regular force, to speak to people interested in joining the specials and the police. They will be in the foyer from 10am - noon.