A volunteer Police inspector is urging people to join the Special Constabulary to 'unleash their full potential' as Dyfed-Powys Police Service launched a recruitment drive this week.

The Police service is looking to recruit more Special Constables, or volunteer police officers, which have seen a significant fall in numbers over the past five years.

Special Constables are not paid, but do receive meal and mileage expenses to ensure they are not out of pocket. They have the same responsibilities and powers of arrest as the regular constabulary.

Figures from the home office say there are 5,000 fewer officers in the ranks than in 2012.

Special Inspector Giles George has been a member of the Special Constabulary since 1986, and has patrolled the streets of Radnorshire for Dyfed-Powys for over twenty years after ten years with neighbouring West Mercia.

And he's supporting the force's latest recruitment drive, saying it's a great opportunity to get involved with the local community.

"Once I started, it got under my skin, definitely in a good way. It’s difficult to put your finger on what it is about being a Special, but the fact I’ve been doing it for so long shows that there’s an awful lot you can get out of it," he said.

"It’s unique and has given me so many opportunities. It really allows you to unleash your potential."

SI George is a part of the 'Specials on horses' pilot scheme, which sees volunteers patrol areas of Powys on horseback, a scheme he says has been well received by the public.

"Something I wanted to do when I was in school was become a mounted police officer in Canada. I’m as close as I can be now. Everywhere I’ve been, the reaction has been phenomenal." he added.

Recruitment for Dyfed-Powys Police’s Special Constabulary is open from Monday, February 5 to Wednesday, March 7.

Anyone interested in applying or would like to find out more can email Citizens in Policing Coordinator Adele Jones at: volunteers@dyfed-powys.pnn.police.uk