NORTH Yorkshire police said yesterday that they were encouraged by the number of people interested in joining the service.

Figures released by the Home Office showed that 437 people in the county had expressed an interest in joining the police service as a result of a three-year national recruitment campaign now entering its second phase. The figure nationally was almost 15,000.

Home Office minister Mr Mike O'Brien said: "Early indications from North Yorkshire are that this campaign is proving extremely successful in encouraging people to consider the police as a potential career option and is helping to raise the status of the service as a modern and progressive career choice.

"But this is only the beginning of a three-year campaign. It will take time for forces to recruit and train officers."

Insp Colin Taylor, head of North Yorkshire police recruitment department, said: "The amount of interest in joining the force has risen by 30pc this year and as a result our recruitment campaign is well ahead of schedule.

"We have in fact sent out 2,228 application packs to interested parties and we still want to hear from more."

Chief constable Mr David Kenworthy said: "After operating under strength for several years it is now very encouraging to see recruitment for new officers and their becoming part of the service.

"The number of people showing interest shows that it is perceived to be a challenging and fulfilling career, with excellent prospects, and that the role of the police officer is still regarded as an essential and respected part of the community."

Man 'very ill'

A Darlington man was yesterday described as "very ill" after being found next to a burning car at 3.30pm on Christmas Eve.

The man, believed to be in his early 30s, is thought to have set fire to himself in a Ford Sierra parked on the outskirts of Stapleton, near Darlington. The man, who has not been named, was taken to Darlington Memorial hospital