SPECIAL constables across Teignbridge and the rest of the county will be on the receiving end of a charm offensive this weekend.

Senior officers are urging members of the public to give Specials the thumbs up in recognition of the volunteers’ good work in the community.

Tomorrow and Sunday have been pencilled in as Specials’ Weekend to showcase the contribution they make across the two counties force area.

In Devon alone, there are nearly 300 Specials, each dedicated to supporting Devon and Cornwall Police. Each one puts in at least 16 hours of work on the beat every week.

Some prefer to provide desk-based support while others are deployed on special operations such as roads policing.

The majority team up alongside regular officers in their local neighbourhoods, police major events and respond to emergencies.

As part of the weekends’ events, Specials across Devon will carry out a number of key operations to showcase their work.

Throughout Exeter, East and Mid Devon Specials will focus on drink-drive operations.

Dartmoor will benefit from crime prevention operations while Specials in the Torbay area will carry out key road safety activities.

Head of Police for Devon, Chief Supt Jim Colwell, said: ‘The work of the Special Constabulary is incredibly important to us and we value highly the positive engagement they bring to our local communities.

‘Their work often goes unnoticed by the public and this weekend is about recognising and appreciating their valuable input.’

Specials Chief Supt Andrew Turner added: ‘I would encourage the public to approach any Special they see in their local area this weekend and talk about the issues that are concerning them.’