CARING volunteers are being sought by the police in Bury to ensure people in custody are being cared for.

Greater Manchester Police Authority's Independent Custody Visiting scheme gives the local community the opportunity to monitor the welfare of people detained in cells at the division's headquarters in Irwell Street and other facilities across the county.

Volunteers visit the custody suites on a weekly, fortnightly or monthly basis, depending on the location, and report back on the conditions under which people are held. The scheme also provides an independent check on the way police officers carry out their duties.

Mrs Sharron Hardman, from the authority's volunteers scheme, said: "Custody Visitors do a tremendous job and play a vital part in ensuring that detainees are well treated whilst in custody.

"We are keen to recruit more community-minded people in the Bury area who would like to devote some of their time to this rewarding voluntary role. "

Independent Custody Visitors work in small teams and are expected to do at least one visit per month.

For more information and an application form: click on www.gmpa.gov.uk or call Alison Howard on (0161) 793 3163 or via e-mail at alison.howard@gmpa.gov.uk