NINE new officers have been welcomed to the ranks of the police in North Yorkshire.

The new recruits were awarded their Certificate of Knowledge in Policing by Superintendent Mike Walker at a passing out ceremony held at police headquarters in Newby Wiske, near Northallerton.

From a variety of backgrounds, they have each completed an intensive 19-week initial training course which covers law, personal safety, search techniques, public order, first aid and a local community placement, all designed to prepare them for life on the beat.

The officers also undertook a considerable amount of home study as part the course to gain their qualification and prepare them for their career in policing.

Supt Walker said “They have all worked very hard to complete their initial training and achieve their qualification. I wish them well in the career and am sure they each of them will be an asset to the communities they will serve.”

The new officers, who will now serve at stations across the county, are Lindsey Crussell, Oliver Lewis, Harriet Shillito, Nathan Clarke, Amy Coverdale, Simon Davy, Kyle McBride, Adam Varney and Claire Wilson.