Members of the public interested in becoming volunteer police officers have been invited to an information event later this month.

The event will be held at the Sedgley Park Centre in Prestwich next week and will provide people with a range of details about becoming a special constable.

Policing authorities say this is a way that members of the public can commit some of their time to working alongside regular officers on the same kinds of tasks.

A Greater Manchester Police statement said: “Special Constables are volunteer police officers who wear the same uniform and have the same powers as full time police officers.

“They work alongside full time police officers, dealing with a variety of incidents, assisting on operations and interacting with our diverse communities.

“Special Constables learn many new skills as well as making a worthwhile contribution to the local communities in Greater Manchester.

“All we ask is that Special Constables commit a minimum average of 16 hours per month.”

They added: “You will have the opportunity to speak to experts from our recruitment team, training department and serving Special Constables to ask any questions you may have.”

The event will be held at the Sedgley Park Centre, Sedgley Park Road, Prestwich on June 29 between 7pm and 9pm.