CLYDEBANK police will become the next force to take on volunteer officers to work at the heart of the community.

The team are recruiting adult men and women with a few hours to spare and keen on helping the local area to take part in serving the town.

Those who participate will gain numerous qualifications and hands on experience of working with the public at a range of events.

PC Craig Brown, co-ordinator for the Dumbarton group who is setting up the Clydebank team, said: “It has been so successful.

“The Dumbarton group are doing brilliant. We’re getting requests to go back to events we’ve been at, we’ve raised about £3,000.

“They’re doing really well which has prompted us to want to set up a group in Clydebank.”

However, its success has ensured the process has become extremely competitive with 70 to 80 applications being received last year for just 24 youth volunteer positions.

For adults, the competition is even higher with just eight places available.

The trusted volunteers will undergo training before being put out in the field, however, the work of a police volunteer is no easy task and the group are trusted to deal with high-profile matters.

The Dumbarton group was called in to help with the search for teenager Scott Diver, marshal the Edinburgh Tattoo and hit the streets to ensure locals were up-to-date on how to prevent a break-in.

Throughout the program they will also work to gain a number of qualifications, including in first aid.

PC Brown added: “We try and get them as many qualifications as we can.

“The benefit I’ve noticed is the maturity in the youth volunteers and the confidence has gone through the roof.

“The program isn’t about eventually joining the police but it’ll look good on all applications, whether it be for university or a job, because it takes work.”

Inspector David Quinn, of Clydebank police station, added: “I am glad to see a Police Scotland Youth Volunteer program being set up in Clydebank.

“Those adult volunteers who take part will be helping to provide valuable experiences for local youths and I would encourage anyone who has an interest in helping others to apply for the role.”

Anyone over the age of 18 can apply to be a volunteer, however, those accepted will be required to take part in some physical work.

Volunteers must attend a fortnightly meeting, a training day and local events as part of their role.

Following in the footsteps of nearby Dumbarton, whose volunteer group has been branded a success, PC Brown aims to launch the program by Easter.

Those wishing to take part should apply at scotland.police.uk/psyv