SEVENTEEN rail employees were sworn in as Special Constables with the British Transport Police as part of an innovative new scheme.

The Arriva Trains Northern staff members assembled in St Helen's Square, York, for the culmination of a rigorous recruitment process and an intensive two-week residential training programme.

Assistant Chief Constable Paul Nicholas, of the British Transport Police, witnessed the ceremony with the Lord Mayor of York, Coun Chas Hall, and Arriva Trains Northern's commercial director Dyan Crowther.

The Specials, who were recruited from across the north of England, will carry out a wide range of supportive policing activities aimed at improving overall security on the network for rail customers and employees.

Arriva Trains Northern has supported the initiative.

The Specials went through a rigorous recruitment process and an intensive two-week training programme to qualify for their new roles.

Ms Crowther said: "We believe that complementary policing plays a vital role in supporting the overall policing of the region's rail network.

Updated: 10:52 Saturday, July 12, 2003