Hundreds of people enjoyed a day of fun in the sun at Northumbria Police’s now annual Rural Policing Open Day at Northumberland College.
Crowds turned up to support the family friendly event held at the college’s Kirkley Hall Campus and learn more about how an area as unique and vast as rural Northumberland is policed.
Visitors were given the chance take a seat in several of the force’s vehicles and discover the equipment used to police a rural patch.
Meanwhile, partners including Northumberland National Park Mountain Rescue, The RSPCA, Forestry Commission England who were handing out free trees, Northumberland Wildlife Trust, and many more were on hand to delight and inform visitors with their very own stalls.
And as an extra special treat for families, hosts Northumberland College even opened up their fantastic zoo for guests to enjoy for free.
Rural Policing Superintendent Andy Huddleston has hailed the second annual event a success.
He said: “Now in its second year, our Rural Policing Open Day was a success and attracted a large crowd – even the sun made an appearance!
“We are currently in the midst of an exciting officer recruitment campaign, and it was fantastic to meet so many potential candidates and be able to answer their questions about a career in policing. I hope yesterday inspired more than a few people to apply.
“This event was also the perfect opportunity for the community and families to learn about how we police our vast rural countryside and learn more about the partners we work alongside with to keep everyone safe.
“After two successful events, we’re now looking at making this an annual event and already have ideas on how to make next year’s event bigger and better.”
He added: “As well as issuing a huge thank you to everyone who attended yesterday, we would also to like to express our sincere thanks to Kirkley Hall for allowing us use of their superb venue, thanks to all our partners who attended with stalls and interactive attraction and thanks to every volunteer who made the day a success.”
Lee Lister, Associate Principal at Northumberland College, said: “The protection of natural capital and the reduction in crime within rural communities is of local, regional and national importance.
“Northumberland College and Kirkley Hall are again delighted to collaborate with Northumbria Police on this important event.
“Our Land based offer in Agriculture, Horticulture and Land based courses has real synergy with the work the police and other external partners are doing to protect the countryside and the communities that live here and we must ensure the future workforce within the countryside have the knowledge and skills to continue this important work.”
We are the largest further education provider in Northumberland with campuses throughout the county.
Our student transport scheme is available for eligible students to make getting to and from college as easy as possible.
Our extensive re-development programme will create outstanding new facilities.
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