POLICE chiefs are urging members of the public to help provide security at this summer's Commonwealth Games.

Greater Manchester Police need dozens of Special Constables to patrol the event's venues including Bolton Arena and Rivington.

The Specials will have the powers to arrest suspected criminals and they will also detect and investigate offences.

They will help alleviate the pressure the force expects it will be under in July and August as the sporting world focuses on Greater Manchester.

Heading off potential terrorist threats will be among the many tasks facing police this summer.

Osama bin Laden's Al Qaeda network is believed to have explored the possibility of targeting crowded stadiums and police are mindful that large events have been targeted in the past. Atlanta's Olympics in 1996 were rocked by a terrorist bomb.

Each successful applicant will be trained for 13 weeks. They will not be paid a salary but will instead receive out-of-pocket expenses and a full uniform.

The drive follows a grant of £3 million offered to GMP by Home Secretary David Blunkett.

The cash will be put towards policing the Games but GMP said it needs a further £4.5 million to do the job effectively.

Using Special Constables will help to lower the cost of policing.

A spokesman said: "We hope to be able to use the Specials not only during the Games but for an indefinite period afterwards.

"We need people of good character and good health."

The Specials will be asked to spare at least four hours during the event which takes place from July 25 to August 4.

Applicants need to be aged between 18 and 50 and have a reasonable education. They can be from Britain, the Irish Republic or the Commonwealth.

For more information call the Force Recruitment Unit on 0161 856 2333.