The police and crime commissioner spent the day on the streets of Maidstone observing town centre officers.

Matthew Scott is due to spend the week carrying out visits across the county after the introduction of new PCs on patrol.

In reaction to the extra officers Mr Scott said: "I am delighted the chief constable is deploying these extra officers to communities right across Kent.

"They have been funded by local residents through my decision to increase the policing part of council tax bills earlier this year. It was not an easy decision, but one which is enabling Kent Police to recruit an additional 180 officers to increase visibility and deal with residents’ concerns.

"As a result, 26 towns – from Maidstone to Margate and from Dartford to Deal – now boast their own dedicated town centre PCs.

"Precept rises have funded an additional 450 officers since 2016 and we have been able to protect our 300 PCSOs too.

"The Home Secretary has also announced we are receiving government funding for a further 147 police officers in the first year of the national recruitment campaign to boost numbers further and make us even safer in Kent."

While in the county town he also stopped to visit the commemorative art work at The Mall, put on display for Remembrance Day.

He reacted to the piece saying: "I commend One Maidstone on the efforts it has gone to at a really important time, as we remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in defence of our country. It’s a fantastic design, and I hope it brings a renewed focus on something which is really important to all of our local communities."

The window piece will be available to view until the end of November.

Read more: all the latest news from Maidstone