THE arrival of extra police officers to a Wyre Forest town heralded a reduction in crime and delighted residents, according to Bewdley beat manager PC Nigel Barter.

PC Barter said the exercise, which was carried out on Friday and Saturday to highlight the work of special constables, had been a "great success".

"I would say that when there is police presence we get a reduction in crime and disorder, so it's fair to say that it was very quiet due to their presence.

"Specials always assist us on Friday and Saturday evenings but there were more than usual this weekend."

He added: "On Friday night, there were six of them who split into two patrols and a couple went over to Stourport and the rest stayed in Bewdley.

"There were a couple of the usual youngsters around the town and the specials kept an eye on them.

"I went for a walk around the town on Saturday night and it was very quiet."

He added: "I know from comments made that it was very well received by the public who were very interested in what we were doing."