Police in Cumbria have welcomed eight new recruits to an apprenticeship programme.

The recruits have enrolled onto th Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA) entry programme.

A spokesperson for Cumbria Constabulary said: “We wish them the best of luck on their course and in their careers with us here.”

The PCDA entry route to policing is a three-year programme that includes academic modules, coursework, and exams.

On the course, academic learning coincides with serving as a student police officer with active frontline duties for Cumbria Constabulary.

During the programme. Officers will undertake a professional degree apprenticeship which is licensed and overseen by the College of Policing, and delivered via a collaboration by the police and the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan).