Kent Police has more than tripled the size of its neigbourhood teams, after pledging to protect 'front line' policing from huge budget cuts.

Neighbourhood officers now total more than 800 sergeants and constables – up from 236.

Plans for the increase were first unveiled in February, when Kent Police confirmed it would be cutting around 1,500 officers and staff.

The force needs to slash 20% – a total of £53m – from its budget over the next four years.

At the time the cuts were announced, Chief Constable Ian Learmonth said: "I'm determined that front line policing is prioritised as part of our restructuring plans.

"This will provide a quicker and more efficient response to persistent policing problems, helping us get it right first time, working with local people to ensure crime and disorder are effectively tackled."

Kent Police says neighbourhood policing "provides a visible local policing service to meet the needs of our communities".

As well as police officers, teams include police community support officers, special constables, council wardens and volunteers.

They work closely with residents, businesses and community groups to address local problems, such as anti-social behaviour.