Kent Police are teaming up with their Essex counterparts for a further three years.

The agreement comes after recent successful partnerships between the two forces.

On April 1 2008, Kent Police joined with Essex to share a police helicopter to help in the fight against crime.

The helicopter has been available to both Kent and Essex forces for 18 hours a day, seven days a week, and has helped with 195 arrests.

According to figures released from the Kent Police Authority (KPA), nearly £3 million had been saved due to the partnership.

Ann Barnes, Chair of the KPA, said: "We are hugely proud of the achievements secured through the collaboration venture with Essex."