A volunteer police officer on horseback is set to become a regular feature on patrol in New Ash Green.

Special Constable Alaine Benardis and her horse, Jack, will be patrolling during the day to engage with more people, particularly landowners.

Alaine and Jack will be providing a highly visible police presence, getting out and about in the rural community to gather and share information about crime and anti-social behaviour with Rural Watch and other community groups.

Being on horseback will make it easier to get to remote country areas that might be hard to reach in a vehicle.

Alaine responded to a call by police for horse owners and riders to consider volunteering as mounted officers with the Special Constabulary.

After successfully completing a training programme and risk assessments, Alaine and Jack are now ready to undertake their duties.

Mounted special constables have to demonstrate they are capable of controlling the horse in a range of different scenarios including riding on minor roads. They are assessed annually.

“I love being a Special Constable and I’ve always enjoyed riding so this was the perfect opportunity for me to combine both and do something a little different," - Special Constable Alaine Benardis

Volunteers who want to join the Special Constabulary must be at least 18, meet medical and fitness standards and be willing to give a minimum of 16 hours every month on a voluntary basis.

Additional training and animal welfare assessments are provided for successful applicants.

Alaine has been a volunteer officer with Kent Special Constabulary for 10 years.

She explained: “I love being a Special Constable and I’ve always enjoyed riding so this was the perfect opportunity for me to combine both and do something a little different.

“I hope it might attract other new potential volunteers with horses to consider volunteering for this exciting role which supports the local community.”

Special Insp Adam Houghton said: “Alaine and Jack are important members of the policing team and will provide invaluable support to their local community by being a visible presence and a point of contact."

Anyone who might be interested in volunteering for the Special Constabulary can find out more here.