THE DOORS to Carnforth Police Station are staying open longer - thanks to two local volunteers.

Bruce Bayliss and Andrea Johnson, pictured, have started work at the station as part of a Volunteers in Policing project.

Visitors who were previously met by locked doors now have two public enquiry assistants' to talk to.

Bruce and Andrea will be involved in tasks from manning the enquiry desk to updating people on police action.

They will also be able to radio bobbies on the beat about any incident.

Volunteer scheme co-ordinator Sgt Mark Jolly says they are a welcome boost.

He stresses that the duo are not replacing paid staff. Instead, they are strengthening the work of officers by ensuring they have more time out on the beat.

"We are trying to enhance services in the community," he says. "One way is to have volunteers at local police stations from 10am to 6pm every day that's the plan."

Andrea explained: "I had a business in Carnforth for 30 years until retiring and I just wanted to put something back into the community. This seems an ideal way to do that."

Police are looking to recruit more volunteers at Carnforth. Anyone interested should write to: Volunteers Project, Lancashire Constabulary, Northern Divisional Headquarters, Thurnham Street, FREEPOST (LA1083), Lancaster, LA1 1BR.