SO MANY people want to become police officers in Somerset that the force has had to close its doors to new applicants.

SO MANY people want to become police officers in Somerset that the force has had to close its doors to new applicants.

Avon and Somerset Police has temporarily stopped accepting new applications and has decided not to progress with 411 people who have applied to become officers.

The decision was taken by the Chief Officer Group because of the sheer volume of applications received.

Personal letters have been sent out to all applicants affected, some dating back two years.

Head of corporate human resource services, Paul Hazel, said: "It is a testament to the constabulary that we are a popular force to join.

"It is a wonderful position to be in, where we have such a high number of people who want to come and work for us.

"This shows we have a good reputation as an employer and as an organisation that people want to come and work for."

For more information about job vacancies visit www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/recruitment