We are on the edge of a cultural renaissance

Ian McMillan

He will be with the force for 10 days and is due to begin his work on Wednesday afternoon with a trip to a school in Grimsby with a police officer.

At a news conference in Hull, Mr McMillan launched his new career with a poem entitled A Rhyming Brief.

Mr McMillan said: "This organisation has opened itself up to a poet - that has never happened in the history of the entire universe.

'Real life'

"We are on the edge of a cultural renaissance. More and more organisations will think about the cultural thing.

"We could have more poets-in-residence with other police forces."

Mr McMillan is well versed in police life

Mr McMillan has been a poet for 21 years, including a stint as poet-in-residence at Barnsley Football Club.

He will watch the Scunthorpe United versus Rochdale Nationwide League Division Three clash.

Mr McMillan said: "This to me is real life. I will be going out on a Friday night, going to a football match. I will go and see things that the public can't see, but I want to repeat my experiences to the public.

"You often only see a police officer at a time of crisis. That is what interested me, the human face behind this image."

Deputy Chief Constable Gordon Clark welcomed the appointment and said: "We are convinced Ian's skill, style and above all else, personality, will ensure we reach a wider audience."