Portland's first police community support worker has taken up her beat.

From her base at Portland Police Office in Victoria Square PSCO Lynne Ward, previously the Littlemoor officer, will be dealing with anti-social behaviour and low-level crime.

She will be in direct contact with the police control room and police officers and can be called away from her normal patrol to attend an incident.

"I will be providing a reassuring presence on the street, building community confidence and reducing crime and the fear of crime," she said. "I will also be promoting social inclusion, particularly among the young and elderly."

Acting inspector Geoff Hicks welcomed the creation of the new role for Portland.

He said: "I am sure Lynne's presence on the island is a positive step and will be well received by the public.

"Regular officers will now have more time to deal with other matters."