A POLICE force has announced it is to become the first in the North-East to pay special constables for carrying out their duties.

Durham Police is to pay its 90 volunteer officers a lump sum of £1,500 a year if they carry out six hours work for the force each week.

Until now, special constables have only been paid travelling expenses but, following a review of the service, the force has decided to follow the example of Humberside Police in making the lump sum payment at a fixed date each year.

The first bonuses, which will be paid retrospectively, are expected to be handed over early next year.

The force is also increasing the number of specials on the books, with a recruitment drive at the end of the month to find another 60 volunteers to take the total number to 150.

In addition, changes have been announced with regard to the command structure. Specials will, in future, report directly to the force's 13 community inspectors.

A database of offices and their experience is also being compiled and the Home Office is to pay for the recruitment of two recruitment officers and a specialist trainer.

Geoff Knupfer, specials chief officer at Durham Constabulary, said: "A fresh look at the special constabulary in Durham was long overdue and paying an allowance is something many of us have advocated for years.

"The outcome of the review should see Durham's special constables being used more often and on a more effective basis.

"Most of our volunteers already hold full-time jobs and the new allowance is one way of formally recognising how much their contribution is valued."