Norwich North MP Chloe Smith patrolled the streets of her constituency with members of Norfolk's Special Constabulary at the weekend as part of a special two-day event highlighting the work of volunteer officers.

Norwich North MP Chloe Smith patrolled the streets of her constituency with members of Norfolk's Special Constabulary at the weekend as part of a special two-day event highlighting the work of volunteer officers.

Miss Smith joined Specials on patrol in Sprowston, Hellesdon, Thorpe St Andrew and northern areas of Norwich.

She did so as part of Specials Weekend, which was this year themed on anti-social behaviour. Across the county, dozens of officers teamed up with regulars to tackle the problem in areas including, Thetford, Great Yarmouth, Norwich, Wymondham and North Walsham.

Miss Smith joined officers as they stopped speeding motorists, dispersed youths creating a disturbance in Hellesdon, checked on an industrial estate and chased vandals in Thorp.

She said she was impressed by the commitment of the volunteers to their police role. 'Specials do the full range of day jobs before giving their time and real passion to volunteering in this way on a Friday night,' she said.

'One constable worked at Aviva, another managed a bar and another worked in a hotel. One was due back at work at 8am the next day – after having finished on the streets at 3am. Both the police and their regular employer should be proud of such commitment, as well as taking care of those individuals.

'We are incredibly lucky to have capable, grounded and passionate folk working for us and we must support them all we can in return.'

Special Ch Insp Trevor Lailey said: 'It was good for us. It was the Specials weekend when we are all out, and it gave us a chance to say what we felt to an outside person.

'Straight away she gelled and bonded with us. It gave us a chance to show her what we do, and it was very motivational for us.

'One of the problems we have is that some people think we're a bit like Dad's Army and just do school fetes, but anything the regulars do, we do as well in support of them.'

Also taking part in the weekend's event was Norfolk's chief constable Phil Gormley, who greeted new recruits at the force's Wymondham headquarters on Saturday for their first training session.

'Special officers play a very valuable role in supporting the work of Norfolk Constabulary and the service we provide to local people,' he said.

'The commitment and energy shown by Norfolk's Specials is truly admirable and they make a significant contribution to the continuing safety of our communities.'

Anyone interested in joining Norfolk's Special Constabulary should telephone 01953 423683 or e-mail stepspecials@norfolk.pnn.police.uk