Nuclear officers will be patrolling the Kent coastline as part of a new policing initiative, Kent Police have announced.

Members of the Civil Nuclear Constabulary (CNC), which protects civil nuclear sites, will be patrolling Lydd and New Romney alongside police forces.

An officer from each force will pair up to respond to calls received by police, as well as undertake routine and pro-active patrols, and carry out local enquiries, with the first patrol taking place tomorrow.

There have been several high-profile incidents on Romney Marsh beaches recently, including a massive cookout that turned into chaos.

A police spokesman said: "It is hoped that by working with another force, the CNC officers will be able to enhance their skills in policing.

"In addition, the initiative will give Kent Police a greater range of resources to help keep the county safe."

Many of the CNC officers are also trained as medics and can provide initial emergency medical care at a scene, should the situation arise.

Kent Police District Commander for Ashford, Folkestone and Hythe, Chief Inspector Nick Sparkes said: ‘We are excited to welcome our colleagues from the CNC to work directly alongside us to keep Kent safe.

"We hope they find this initiative beneficial as they will be able to see how our teams respond to the many varied and sometimes challenging incidents we deal with daily.

"By working together, it can only enhance the service we already provide to our communities in Lydd and New Romney.

"Importantly it will also mean that some of the more rural areas of the district will benefit from additional first responders out on patrol."

Read more: All the latest news from Romney Marsh