A police force has appealed for unpaid volunteers to drive officers around so they can continue to use their mobile phones while on the move.

Avon and Somerset police has advertised for over 25s who have a clean driving licence and good knowledge of the Highway Code in order to help "relieve pressures on frontline officers".

The job will involve ten hour shifts, during which they will be expected to ferry officers around and undertake a variety of other car based tasks.

Despite being unpaid, force bosses insist the benefits include having "an opportunity to use your driving skills for the benefit of policing" and "contributing directly to improving the effectiveness of police officer time".

Volunteers will have access to a fully insured unmarked vehicle with a sat nav, and mobile phone.

Temporary assistant chief constable Steve Cullen said: "This scheme is all about embracing trusted members of the community who wish to participate in policing and maximising the amount of time officers and staff spent carrying out their core roles.

"We anticipate the volunteer drivers helping with things like collecting detainee medication or supporting officers in dropping them off and collecting them to conduct enquiry in busy settings such as Bristol city centre.