CHILDREN'S TV favourites The Chuckle Brothers yesterday launched an initiative to recruit more special constables across Darlington and County Durham.

Paul and Barry Chuckle posed for photographs with Special Constables Mark Burley and Len Johnson at Darlington Civic Theatre, where they are performing.

Paul said: "It is great to see people wanting to help their neighbourhood in this way, by becoming special constables."

Carol Oliver, special constable recruitment officer with Durham Police, is looking to find more volunteers for the area.

She said: "As a special constable, you will be trained to the highest standards to perform your duties on the beat alongside regular PCs."

Volunteers receive the same training as other officers, including law and self-defence. They are free to choose when they will work.

Barry said: "The police in Darlington always treat us nicely and look after us. They need more special constables."

The brothers will be performing their show Spooky Goings-On 2 at Darlington Civic Theatre tonight.

For more information on special constables, contact Ms Oliver (South Durham) on 01325-742060 or Mel Elliott (North Durham) on 0191-375-2336.