THE Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner is urging people in Sedgemoor to become custody visitors.

Sue Mountstevens is asking people aged over 18 to get involved in the “well established system” in which volunteers visit police stations to check on people in police custody, the conditions in which they are held, and that their rights are being observed.

Anna Hill, custody visiting and voluntary sector officer, said: “Full training will be provided and there will be the opportunity to shadow a more experienced visitor while settling in.

“Volunteers will also have the chance to meet coordinators, inspectors and other visitors at quarterly meetings.

“This is a great opportunity for someone looking for an exciting and rewarding local volunteering role in and around Bridgwater.”

Volunteers must live or work in the Avon & Somerset Constabulary area, have not had any direct involvement in the criminal justice system and can carry out the role of a custody visitor independently with an objective point of view.

They would be expected to make one visit a month and attend four meetings a year.

An induction will be held at Police HQ, Portishead, on Saturday, August 30.