POLICE yesterday enlisted the help of famous faces from the stage to launch a recruitment drive for Special Constables.

Husband and wife John Alderton and Pauline Collins took time from their schedule in crime action play Going Straight, which is being staged at Darlington's Civic Theatre, to mark the start of a County Durham-wide search for police volunteers.

The force hopes to recruit about 25 Special Constables, known as Specials, who are willing to spare time to work alongside police officers.

Following 16 weeks of on-the-job training, Specials are given the same powers as regular officers and must be prepared to dedicate at least six hours a week to the role.

There are 91 Specials in County Durham and Darlington, attending crime scenes, controlling crowds at sporting events and dealing with house-to-house inquiries.

Recruitment officer Carol Oliver said: "Durham Constabulary encourages men and women from all backgrounds to join the Special Constabulary, as it is important that it is representative of the community it serves.

"Working closely with regular officers to help police their communities, the principal role of the Specials consists of local, intelligence-based patrols and crime-reduction initiatives targeted at specific local crime problems."

Specials also work to promote the authority's StreetSafe campaign, being visible in local communities and reassuring residents.

Anyone aged 18 to 50 interested in joining the Special Constabulary can find out more at the force's Neighbourhood Involving Community event at the Williamson Motors football stadium, in Darlington, on November 3.

Specials will also be at Asda supermarket, in Bishop Auckland, for a recruitment day on November 25.

Going Straight is at the theatre until Saturday. To book, call (01325) 486555.

Published: 19/10/2004