More than 50 Lancashire Police specials will be giving up their time on Friday 20 May to volunteer their services to the force as part of Give & Gain day.

Give & Gain is the UK’s only national day of employee volunteering. For one day, every year, thousands of people give up their day jobs and volunteer to support a local community organisation during working hours. It’s also an opportunity for special constables in Lancashire to showcase their abilities as a police officer.

Specials have the same powers as the regulars and perform the same role. On Give & Gain day and throughout the evening, they will be supporting every day policing in the South Ribble area, carrying out local traffic enforcement, vehicle checks and addressing on-going ASB issues.

Specials who work for ESP (Employer Supported Policing) companies have also invited their employers to observe Give & Gain day activities to witness first-hand how their support benefits the local communities.

Special constabulary chief officer Paul Airlie says: “Specials are a valuable resource to Lancashire Constabulary. Our specials are integrated into everyday policing and are essential in keeping Lancashire safe. The day is also a great opportunity for employers to see first-hand what the specials do.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw will also be attending some of the operations in the morning with the specials as part of his commitment to volunteers.

Clive Grunshaw, Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner, said: "This is an excellent way to highlight the important role specials play in keeping our communities safe. They give up their time to support our police officers on the frontline and we are fortunate in Lancashire to have so many employers who understand the value of volunteering."