THE hunt is on for more part-time bobbies to walk the Bolton beat.

There are currently about 50 special constables working in the town, offering help to their full-time colleagues at events ranging from church fetes to football matches.

Now, as part of a force-wide initiative, police chiefs are looking to bolster their ranks with a recruitment campaign vehicle due to visit the Asda Middlebrook store on Sunday. Current special constables will be on duty, handing out information sheets and speaking to anybody who is keen to take on a part-time role in the force.

And Andrew Hayes, sub-divisional officer and recruitment officer for Bolton division's specials, revealed the part-time status provides the stepping stone for many people to make a career as a police officer.

Andrew, who works as a shop manager and who has been a special constable for 10 years, said: "It provides an excellent insight into the job of the police. "Many people use the special constabulary as a means of moving into the full-time force. The duties are very wide and varied. They're the same as a regular officer, covering foot patrols, mobile patrols, football duties, fetes, community work and crime prevention."

All Bolton specials are provided with a uniform and equipment and are given a full law training package as well as taking part in a detailed self-defence course. Their hours of duty are based around weekends, nights and days and although there is no maximum or minimum figure for hours to be worked, it is expected that officers give about four hours per week.

Greater Manchester Police is keen to recruit Bolton residents from all ethnic groups, ages and occupations.

Anyone who is interested should contact GMP recruitment department on 0161 856 0970.