An experiment in south Norfolk using volunteers at rural police stations could spread to the rest of the county.

Police said that if it had not been for the 12 unpaid workers in Harleston and Long Stratton, the stations could have been closed.

Inspector Dale Cooper, who commands the area where the scheme started, said he was delighted with the volunteers' efforts.

The county's police authority scrutiny committee will now decide if the scheme is to be extended across the county.

Dedicated

The committee heard this week how volunteers worked for more than 600 hours over three months.

Inspector Cooper said: "The volunteers have displayed a dedication and willingness to provide a professional service and have been eager to expand their knowledge and abilities in order to assist in whatever they can."

The unpaid helpers take messages, deal with lost property, and aid police with paperwork and general office duties.