Special constables were out in force throughout Sussex to encourage more recruits.

As part of the Home Office's National Weekend, specials carried out high-profile patrols in Worthing, Shoreham, Durrington and West Worthing.

A mobile police station was used in Worthing, Bognor and Chichester - manned entirely by specials - and they were accompanied by a dog handler searching for drugs.

In Brighton and Hove, specials helped police the football match between Brighton and Millwall at the Withdean stadium.

In Horsham and Crawley, the whole division was brought together to tackle any outbreaks of anti-social behaviour.

In Eastbourne, they helped combat underage drinking and public order problems.

During the two-day weekend exercise, a number of Sussex MPs visited to offer their support. They included Peter Bottomley, Worthing; Norman Baker, Lewes; and Ivor Caplin, Hove.

David Lambeth, Acting Chief Officer of the Sussex Special Constabulary, said: "It was a great success in raising public awareness about Specials and, hopefully, people from the local community will come along and talk to us with the prospect of joining."