A police force is offering people the chance to spend a night on the beat with its bobbies.

Derbyshire Police has gone on the public relations offensive to try to get people to understand their job.

The scheme was piloted in Derby, and is now being expanded throughout the county.

To take part in the scheme, people must be over 18 years old and will be subject to police checks.

We will see first-hand the sort of things we have to deal with

David Coleman, Derbyshire's chief constable

Applicants with a criminal record or caution for a criminal offence will not normally be permitted to take part in the scheme.

Chesterfield PC Richard Illingworth said: "Everybody has these ideas, almost urban myths, that we persecute motorists and don't find burglars.

"But it is preventative, most of what we do, or hopefully preventative because if we can stop something before it is actually happening, before blood is spilt, then it is a success."

Take advice

Chief Constable David Coleman said: "This is a good opportunity to improve trust and understanding between the Derbyshire community and its police service.

"We will be as open as we can be and let people see first-hand the sort of things we have to deal with.

"We are also expecting to benefit from the experience, as the people who come on this scheme may be able to give us advice on the way we police."