Community support officers will soon be patrolling the streets of Lincolnshire to assist local police.

It is hoped the 20 officers will deter petty crime and anti-social behaviour.

Lincolnshire Police has been given �150,000 to pay for the patrols.

But the scheme has been criticised by the Police Federation which represents rank and file police officers.

It says the money would enable up to 15 fully-trained police officers to be recruited in the county.