A bouncer and a beautician were among a new batch of civilian police recruits to take to the streets of Bradford.

The four-strong team of Policing Community Support Officers (PCOs) will pound the beat in Canterbury and Little Horton.

Experienced officers PC Pete Softley and PC Robert Bowman will be accompanying the new recruits on their beats.

"I do think they will make a lot of difference. People will see the yellow jackets and the word 'Police' on them and they will think twice," PC Softley said. "People always say it's good to see us out and about."

All six officers will start a rigorous campaign of high visibility in Horton Park from June in an attempt to attract people back into the park. The PCOs range in age from 19 to 34, and they believe their range of skills and experiences will make them a team to be reckoned with.

Imran Khaliq, 24, used to work as a bodyguard, security guard and nightclub doorman.

"It's all about team work," he said.

"Each of us is going to bring a different skill to the job. I may have certain skills but be lacking in other areas."

For 30-year-old Alison Carmichael the job is a complete change from her previous career as manager of a hair-removal clinic.

"It's been a big eye-opener to see what's going on in the city," she said.

"You don't realise what's going on when you're asleep!"

At 19, Rob Smith is the youngest member of the team. He said he was inspired to join up after watching TV show The Bill.

"I want to be in the regulars eventually but I saw this as a way to come and get experience and make a difference," he said.

There are already 30 PCOs in the city centre, but this new team are the first to be given their own community beat.

Their role is complementary to police officers, providing a presence and reassurance in local communities.

But Martin Willis, 34, said he still thinks they will be put in difficult situations.

"It's going to be a massive learning curve," he said.

"There are going to be some things that experienced police officers have never come across. But I believe we have all got the skills to do the job.

"It's going to be a case of common sense and thinking on your feet."

He said the team have already received a warm welcome on the streets.

"Straight away people are coming up to us with a big list as long as their arm of people doing bad things," he said.

"People have been genuinely pleased to see us."