One of the aims is to improve cocklers' safety

Pc Steve Helmsley's role as Cumbria Police's cockling officer for the south of the county will mean he will work alongside other organisations.

The aim is to improve workers' safety and reduce disruption and nuisance to residents living near cockling sites.

Twenty-one cockle pickers died at Morecambe Bay last February and there have been tensions over access to beds.

Mr Helmsley will work in the Morecambe Bay and South Cumbria area. His position will be reviewed every three months and he will work in partnership with other statutory bodies.

He will report to Insp Richard Vernon, who is based at Ulverston and will have overall responsibility for the issue for the police.

Mr Vernon said: "Whilst the health and safety of cocklers on the sands isn't directly a policing responsibility, we want to contribute fully to the work of other agencies to improve safety and reduce the potential for disorder."

Mr Helmsley said: "I am currently working to get a full understanding of the issues involved and getting to know some of the main cockling organisers in the area."