PEOPLE interested in becoming a Dorset Police officer have until Friday to apply.

The force is looking to recruit 50 new officers after launching a recruitment drive on January 18.

Applications are being welcomed from all backgrounds and the force said it is keen to increase the number of women officers as well as those from black, ethnic and LGBT communities.

Candidates must be 18 years old at the close of initial registration and the upper age limit if typically 56.

Those successful will be awarded with a degree in Professional Policing Practice by the end of the three-year training period.

Training will be a mix of on-the-job learning, classroom-based study and personal research.

Teresa Cook, resourcing manager for Dorset Police said previously: “Being a police officer is a uniquely challenging and rewarding job. It needs special qualities: plenty of empathy, lots of common-sense and a real desire to make a difference.”

To apply, visit dorset.police.uk/recruitment/police-officers/becoming-a-police-officer