Derbyshire Constabulary welcomed 15 new officers during a ceremony last week - including a former professional footballer.

Following 17 weeks of training, the new recruits were formally recognised and welcomed by Derbyshire's Assistant Chief Constable Bill McWilliam and Police and Crime Commissioner Hardyal Dhindsa.

Among them is former professional footballer Chris Martin, 27, who made 74 appearances as a goalkeeper for Port Vale between 2007 and 2012.

Mr McWilliam said: “This ceremony is a special occasion for everyone as we celebrate our newest police officers and mark the beginning of their police service career.

"To be a police officer takes a special kind of person, someone who wants to serve their community and protect those who live within it.

"I wish them every success as they enter what I know to be a challenging, yet rewarding career."

The ceremony was attended by more than 80 of the officers' friends and family.

The officers will take up posts at police stations in Derby, Ilkeston, Swadlincote, Ripley, Chesterfield, Clay Cross, Killamarsh and Buxton.  

PC Martin, who is based at St Mary’s Wharf in Derby, said: "I had pretty much zero knowledge about policing before I joined. I have always enjoyed working as a team and felt there was no better job out there to reflect that than the police."

The youngest recruit is Oli Bowler, 19, who is stationed in Peartree. Oli has been an on-call firefighter for a year and also worked as a lifeguard.

He said: "I’ve wanted to be part of the emergency services since I was young. I'd like to join the firearms unit and become a close protection officer."

Four of the latest recruits are former Police Community Support Officers in the county, and four served as volunteer special constables.