COPS in Devon and Cornwall are telly stars after being caught on camera.

The boys and girls in blue are in the pink after landing roles as themselves in the four-part ITV documentary which hits the small screen tonight.

The series, narrated by Men Behaving Badly star Neil Morrissey, follows officers and staff on duty across the two counties force last summer.

This evening’s debut includes a police response to the search for a ‘big cat’ on the moor.

Subsequent 30-minute episodes will feature new police dogs starting their training, coverage of the Devon Derby in Exeter and Boardmasters Festival in Cornwall as well as frontline staff pounding the beat in Ilfracombe, Padstow, Plymouth and Torquay.

Chief Constable Sawyer said: ‘We are delighted to be involved with the programme which we hope will show people across the UK the unique challenges of policing Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly during the summer months.

‘Our force area is one of the most beautiful, tranquil and lowest crime areas in the UK, combining rural, coastal and urban communities of 1.7 million people.  

‘The tourist trade is essential to these communities and, while visitors are warmly welcomed during the summer, the influx of around 11 million tourists each year brings its own policing challenges for Devon and Cornwall Police. The population increase would equate to 46 million visitors arriving into London for the Metropolitan Police Service.’

He added: ‘This documentary offers a fantastic chance for the public to see how we deal with the demand for service from local communities and visitors alike, as well as affording a rare view into the lives of officers and staff who live and bring up their families within the communities they serve.’

Michael Kelpie, Managing Director of Potato, which made the series, said: ‘This summer, as millions of families head to the West Country for their holidays, it is unlikely many will spare a thought for the people who work hard to ensure they are safe.

‘Devon and Cornwall Cops offers an eye-opening insight into the unique challenges faced by one of the UK’s major police forces as millions of visitors flock to the region each summer.

‘We were granted unparalleled access to and complete co-operation with the many diverse constituent parts of Devon and Cornwall Police that work tirelessly to protect and serve locals and visitors alike throughout this busy period.’