PRACTICE fitness tests are being held for people who would like to be a volunteer police officer but feel daunted by the application process.

Cheshire Constabulary is holding the practice test after a special constable awareness seminar on February 21.

Chief Inspector Matt Welsted said: "Becoming a volunteer police officer with Cheshire is an exciting and rewarding opportunity, and to miss out because of the fear of the fitness test is a wasted opportunity.

"It became evident to me when speaking to people about what puts them off applying, that many people felt they were not fit enough to pass the fitness requirements.

"I wanted to give you the possibility to come down and see for yourselves that the fitness test is not as daunting as it seems; and better yet, to come and have a go."

The test includes a 'bleep test' where applicants are required to reach the level 5.4, which works out as the equivalent of running for less than four minutes.

Special constables are volunteers that hold the same power in law as regular officers, wear the same uniform, use the same equipment and go to the same duties.

The seminar and practice test take place at Cheshire Constabulary's headquarters in Winsford.

To register interest for the awareness seminar visit the current vacancies page at cheshire.police.uk