POLICE chiefs are being forced to look as far afield as South Africa to provide enough officers to go on the beat in County Durham.

Half the applicants seeking to join Durham Constabulary are from outside the county area, with interest even coming from outside the UK.

Durham Police has bucked the national trend to increase force strength to a record high of 1,580 having taken on an extra 230 officers over the past five years. Numbers will rise by a further 97 over the next three years.

But the force, which has succeeded in cutting crime over the past seven years, has struggled to attract applicants within the County Durham and Darlington area.

Recruiting specialists are baffled as to why only about 50 per cent of recently appointed officers come from within the force boundary.

Recruiting officer, Inspector Elaine Taylor, said: "There is certainly no shortage of good applicants in County Durham and Darlington, but they seem reluctant, for reasons unknown to us, to come forward in the numbers we would like to take up a police career in their own area.

"A significant number of successful candidates are coming from Northumbria, Wearside, Hartlepool, Teesside and North Yorkshire.

"And, perhaps because of the force's growing reputation, we are also getting interest from across Britain. We even got one hopeful writing to us from South Africa."

Inspector Taylor wants the "outside" interest to flourish, but she said: "We would love to hear from men and women living in the Durham area who have a genuine interest in serving their local community."

In December, the force was the first to relax eyesight requirements, and positive steps have also been taken to encourage candidates in their thirties and beyond. A place was offered recently to a 42-year-old applicant.

The force is searching for women and men over the age of 18 years and six months, from a wide range of backgrounds.

Candidates must be physically fit, with sound common sense, good communications skills and an ability to work under their own initiative, as well as part of a team.

They must have personal qualities, including integrity, honesty and a determination to serve the people of Durham.

Applications can be made to PC Vicki Winship, on 0191-386 4929, extension 2335.