BOBBIES on the beat are to be assisted by a new team of volunteer supporters in the saddle.

Sussex Police has announced details of a new scheme launched with horse riders being their eyes and ears to help fight rural crime.

Police officers said riders were ideal to support suspicious activity as they travelled at low speeds and had a high vantage point in the saddle.

Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne said the scheme, which she has awarded a grant of more than £3,200 towards, would meet her election promise to treat rural crime as seriously as inner-city crime.

Riders will have no more power of arrest than any other member of the public and will not be expected to approach suspects or intervene with any crimes.

Instead they will observe and report back to officers.

Farm Watch will provide the initial team of 18 volunteers with information around suspicious persons, vehicles and activities and what to look out for.

The pilot scheme will initially cover Bolney, Warninglid, Twineham, Hickstead, Albourne, Pyecombe, Poynings, Fulking, Hurspierpoint, Sayers Common and Hassocks.

The scheme will be led by the Mid Sussex Neighbourhood Police Team which has appointed a co-coordinator for the project.

Volunteers aged 18 or above will be expected to patrol for a couple of hours a week.

Mrs Bourne said: "When I first took office I made a pledge that rural crime would be treated as seriously as the crime that takes place in our towns and cities, which is why I am delighted to provide funding to support this innovative volunteer initiative.

"The Sussex Rangers is a shining example of how members of the public can support their neighbourhood police teams to help keep Sussex safer.

"I know that residents who live in some of the more remote areas of the county can often feel 'cut-off' and this project will enhance Sussex Police's crime-fighting capabilities in those places that can be difficult to police by conventional means.

"As well as providing a visible presence and assisting with crime prevention the Rangers will also gather local information to increase the force's rural intelligence picture."