Police stations could move into supermarkets as part of a £52 million cost-cutting drive.

The idea is being considered by senior officers who think they can save £2 million by selling off police stations and opening public contact points elsewhere.

Chief Constable Martin Richards has said businesses will be considered as new locations as part of a revamp of how the public can contact officers.

The force is currently researching how people use existing stations and asking members of the public on different ways they want to be able to contact officers.

Senior officers believe reducing station reception opening times to eight hours a day could save £1 million.

The force is trying to make savings of £52 million as part of Home Office-imposed spending cuts announced this month.