THE police force in North Yorkshire has welcomed its first Sikh recruit.

Jagjeet Bura was among 51 new probationary constables sworn in at the Attestation Ceremony in County Hall, Northallerton, and took their oath before JP Gordon Charlton.

The forces largest-ever intake will swell the number of officers serving the county to 1,441 and a further 18 join up at the end of the month.

Mr Bura, originally from Bradford, will be stationed in Skipton at times during his two-year training course.

He said: "I feel proud to be the first Sikh to join the North Yorkshire Police.

"I hope others will see me walking down the street in my uniform and be encouraged to do the same."

The recruits have already started an intensive two-year course. They will train at centres in Durham, Ponteland or Warrington for 15 weeks. Then they get their first taste walking the beat alongside a tutor constable.

Supt Paul Ackerley, head of staff development for North Yorkshire Police, said: "The teaching will be done in the classroom and out on the streets. They need to learn about the diversity of their community, meet local residents and build up a relationship with important people."

Chief Constable Della Cannings said the officers were the lifeblood of the service.

She said: "We have been around the county and people tell us they want to see more police officers patrolling the streets. I have made that one of my main commitments.

"And when I say you will see them I mean that quite literally. The force is currently converting to a new regime of highly visible dress, equipment and policing style which will reassure the public that we are out and about actively working on their behalf."

Recruit Caroline Upfield said: "To be standing here in my uniform makes me feel very proud."