Thames Valley Police Chief Constable, Sir Charles Pollard, hopes cheaper housing and a cost of living bonus will boost recruitment figures during the coming year.

He says he is optimistic that more officers will be attracted to the force in the coming year, even though figures show the increase in new officers joining up is significantly lower than the national average.

Sir Charles blames the disparity on the high cost of living in the Thames Valley region.

New figures from the Home Office show 229 officers started residential training with the force on 2000/2001- a rise of 26.5 per cent on the previous year's 181, but significantly lower than the national rise of 76.9 per cent.

He believes recent moves taken to alleviate this, including the introduction of a £2,000-a-year cost-of-living allowance and plans for cheaper housing will encourage more recruits. Thames Valley Police Authority is awaiting the outcome of 19 bids to local councils to fund cheaper housing under the Government's Starter Homes Initiative.

Sir Charles said: "I am obviously delighted that over the past year, despite high living costs in the Thames Valley, we have been able to recruit a large number of officers to the force. The outlook is very promising. More and more people are realising that Thames Valley Police offers a progressive, modern, high-tech career choice with a host of opportunities.

"Moreover, we have the funds up front to recruit an extra 325 officers over three years, thanks to a £3.3m Government initiative."