BRINGING back the "bobby on the beat" and rebuilding trust between communities and officers have been marked as key priorities by the UKIP candidate for Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner.

Father-of-three Lea Trainer has pledged to be the "straight-talking voice of the people in Thames Valley" if he is placed in the PCC hotseat on May 5.

The former Royal Navy leading seaman said from speaking to the public he had found it "clear" that communities have a "lack of trust" in the police force.

Mr Trainer put it simply: "I'm honest and I will say it how I see it. I will not beat around the bush.

"I will make sure we reduce the fear of crime by bringing back the old bobby on the beat to ensure continuity, increased visibility and faith in the police force.

"The PCC is elected by the public and therefore he is the voice for the public.

"The Thames Valley is different to any other area: we cover three counties and have a lot of different crimes from rural crime to organised crime.

"By having more of a police presence, not only do you reduce crime, you increase community cohesion and reduce the fear of crime."

Mr Trainer said if elected he would attend regular community meetings and listen to the public to hold the police force to account.

He added: "I would make sure each local police authority is keeping to its pledges on a regular basis.

"Thames Valley Police need to be all singing from the same hymn sheet.

"Child sexual exploitation is a priority and it's a very difficult situation: it's very sensitive and has to be tackled in a number of areas."

Mr Trainer added that building the trust between the public and police would increase intelligence to solve more crimes.

He also pledged to work with the police to deal with Government cuts, but added he would also be analytical and scrutinise the force in the public's interest.

He said: "It is vital that any PCC holds not only the Chief Constable to account but the Government as well and this is something I will do.

"I would like to see more bottom-up structure where front line policing is not cut and I will myself be fully accountable.

"I do not think it's fair to focus on a particular crimes until the PCC looks at it. It's about being a voice for the people and people knowing who their PCC is."

Mr Trainer lives in Slough, Berkshire, with his wife and three children.

He served for six years in The Royal Navy as a Leading Seaman Mine Warfare Specialist. On completion of his service with the Royal Navy he ran a family business with his wife.

He currently teaches vulnerable children and young adults who have additional emotional, educational and behavioural needs, which he said would help him in the PCC role.

Mr Trainer is one of four candidates hoping to win the election on Thursday, May 5.

He is up against Conservative candidate and current PCC Anthony Stansfeld; Liberal Democrat John Howson and Laetisa Carter running for the Labour party.

Mr Trainer said: "I have served our country; I now wish to serve our community."