Nottinghamshire Police has further bolstered its ranks with the addition of five Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs).

The recruits start their new roles this week having completed an eight-week training programme at the force's headquarters, which is around four miles from Hucknall town centre.

Prior to joining police teams across the county, they had an audience with Chief Constable Kate Meynell who encouraged them to serve with "integrity, pride and compassion".

Publicly facing, PCSOs provide a visible, accessible, and approachable uniformed presence in the community. They aim to offer reassurance, defuse situations with threats of conflict, improve confidence and trust, gather information and foster good community relations.

This latest PCSO cohort includes an ex-postman, a facilities apprentice, a former school caretaker, a university graduate and a former police cadet.

Phil Atkinson, who worked as a postman for 21 years, will be joining the beat team at Mansfield Police Station as a PCSO.

"It's a massive change for me but one I'm really excited about," said the 41-year-old. "I've wanted to be a PCSO for a long time as I enjoy being out in the community and engaging with people.

"I'm the first person in my family to join the police so I'm really proud."

Libbie-Grace Flint, aged 20, will be joining the beat team at Bulwell in what will be her second job role at Nottinghamshire Police.

She said: "I was an apprentice in the facilities team and went out on a lot of department visits across the force. That lit a candle and made me want to apply to be a PCSO. I've seen first-hand how the police help others and I'm looking forward to doing the same."

Matt Allcock, aged 22, is also familiar with Nottinghamshire Police having been a Police Cadet in Mansfield between 2016 and 2018.

He said: "My grandparents both worked for the force and are really proud that I've joined too. Growing up, I always told them I wanted to be in the police and now that it's happened my whole family is really pleased."

Jon Morris worked as a PCSO in Lancashire around 20 years ago, before moving to Nottinghamshire with his family and working in various public sector roles, including as a school caretaker.

The 58-year-old said he was excited about becoming a PCSO again, adding: "We didn't have body worn cameras 20 years ago but other than that I think the job's essentially the same as it was back then – namely being in the community and helping resolve any issues or problems.

"I'm really looking forward to it."

Finally, Tom Middleton, aged 21, completed a policing degree at the University of Derby before successfully applying to be a PCSO.

He said: "I'm joining Radford Road Police Station and am looking forward to meeting the team and getting out and about.

"An office job isn't for me. I applied to be a PCSO as it's an operational job and hopefully will help me become a police officer one day."

Chief Constable Kate Meynell said she was delighted to welcome the new recruits to Nottinghamshire Police.

She said: ''These new PCSOs, who bring with them a variety of skills, will work with us to deliver the best possible service to our communities.

"Policing is all about public service and duty, and these officers will play an integral part in keeping residents across Nottinghamshire safe. I wish them all the best in their careers and ongoing studies."

Bob Fox, Core Policing Trainer, added: "The new recruits have worked incredibly hard during their training and the commitment and dedication they have shown must be commended.

"These new officers will be a welcome addition to police teams across the county and I wish them all the best in their new careers."