Volunteers from Wootton Bassett are helping Wiltshire Police by manning an information point at the town's station.

Members of the public will be able to access information and basic services through the work of a group of volunteers.

It is an attempt to improve the access of local people to police services in a pilot scheme which could be rolled out into other areas of Wiltshire.

Charles North, 67, is retired and chose to volunteer at the new information point as a way to help the local community build relationships with the police.

He said: “I first volunteered with the Neighbourhood Watch and then the police were looking for volunteers for this.

“I thought it was a good way to combine the two.

“It is not exactly a busy time because it is in its infancy.

“We are expecting it to build as time goes on.”

Volunteers will be able to help direct the public towards the correct service, information or officer.

But more serious issues such as the reporting of crime, bail issues and checking vehicle documents will still need to be dealt with at Police Enquiry Offices in bigger towns such as Swindon, Melksham and Chippenham.

Chief Constable Brian Moore said: “People from our communities who volunteer their help to the police are helping us to open these Police Information Points for the benefit of those living in more isolated areas.

“This is exactly the sort of working partnership between the police and the public that I am very keen to encourage.

“It gives more people access to the police.”

Inspector Steve Cox said: “I am very happy it is open.

“It will give the community a chance to come in and be assisted by our volunteers.

“It reassures the local community that the police are here.”

Police Information Points will also be opened, manned by volunteers, in Highworth and Tisbury.

The Police Information Point in Wootton Bassett will be open between 10am and 2pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Mike Athienites, volunteers manager at Wiltshire Police, asked for members of the public to come forward if they wanted to volunteer.

He said: “If other people are interested we would love to hear from them and maybe build up a pool of staff.”