NEW police recruits are ready to protect North Yorkshire communities after a passing out ceremony.

The 14 new police officers were welcomed to the force by Chief Constable Dave Jones at the end of their intensive 18-week, initial training course, during the ceremony at police headquarters on Friday (November 28).

Chief Constable Jones, said: “I am delighted and very proud to welcome another group of brand new police officers to North Yorkshire Police, bringing our total number of new officers this year to 69.

“Throughout their career, they will use many skills and develop new ones.

“They will be challenged and sometimes pushed to their limits when dealing with what can be some of the most distressing and toughest situations a person can face. But knowing they have saved someone’s life, protected the vulnerable or brought justice for victims will outweigh all these challenges.

“I wish them every success in the future and look forward to working them.”

The new recruits will now start work on the beat under the guidance of their tutor constables for 15 weeks.

After two years they will be certified as fully fledged police officers.