THE police training centre which sparked controversy after racism was exposed among recruits will close next week.

The Bruche training centre which hit the headlines with the BBC undercover documentary Secret Policeman, has been targeted as part of the restructuring of national police training.

It will close its doors next Friday.

Norman Bettison, chief executive of Centrex, said: "This decision has been taken in full consultation with the Home Office and ACPO, the Association of Chief Police Officers."

The closure after six decades will be done with pomp and ceremony with a procession by mounted officers and entertainment provided by the police band.

Centrex, the Central Police Training and Development Authority which manages the facility, said that the changes mean police will be trained at individual force level.

The centre originally opened to provide accommodation for US Air Force offi

cers during the Second World War.

Bruche has been involved in its fair share of scandal as well as the undercover documentary it also received an infamous visitor.

Myra Hindley was being driven to Risley

Prison, when the driver got confused and arrived there.

Two additional sites managed by the company in Cwmbran, Wales and Ashford, Kent will also close their doors.

A spokesman added: "The closure has absolutely nothing to do with the documentary which was two years ago."