POLICE want more people to help them inspect station cells.

They want people to join their Lay Visiting Scheme which involves checking up on how the cells are being run.

Inspector Kevin Lunn, of Northwich Police, said: "The scheme was set up following concerns in other forces a few years ago that conditions in the cells were not as they should be.

"It was introduced across the board, and it has been very helpful."

Under the scheme's rules, lay visitors turn up unannounced at police stations, and are allowed to go straight into the cells to look around.

After their visit, the visitor compiles a report on the state of the cells, which goes to the county's police authority.

To enroll as a lay visitor, you have to be over 18 and living in Cheshire. Serving and ex-police officers, probation officers and magistrates are excluded.

To find out more, ring Martin Eaton on 01244 614005.

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