Special constables with the Devon and Cornwall Police force carried out almost 12 thousand additional hours of policing last month.

More than 570 of the officers spent 11 thousand 911 hours policing our streets and helping to keep us safe in July.

That compares to just over 13 thousand hours in June.

Special constables act as an extra link between members of the public and the police.

They have the same powers as regular officers and Richard Clatworthy the Deputy Chief Officer of the Devon and Cornwall Special Constabulary says they play a crucial role because the engagement they can have in their local community is invaluable.