THE largest-ever intake of new police officers in North Yorkshire was welcomed today by the county's chief constable.

Chief Constable Della Cannings attended a ceremony at County Hall, in Northallerton, where 51 new officers were sworn in by Gordon Charlton, JP.

The new recruits bring the force's strength to 1,441 - the highest in its history.

Ms Cannings said: "I made a commitment to increase the number of officers serving the people of North Yorkshire. These young men and women represent the living reality of that commitment."

The new recruits will embark on an intensive two-year training course before becoming fully-fledged constables.

Ms Cannings added: "You will, however, see them on the streets of the county long before then as they begin patrols, initially with a tutor constable, then later working independently.

"And when I say you will see them, I mean that quite literally. They will be the first North Yorkshire Police officers to conduct their entire career under a new and permanent policy of high visibility - the force is currently converting to a new regime of highly visible dress, equipment and policing style which will reassure the public that we are out and about actively working on their behalf."

Updated: 10:30 Tuesday, March 11, 2003