A chaplain who served on the front line during the Bradford riots is using his extensive experience to teach others.

Sergeant Andy Earl, of West Yorkshire Police, has helped design the first ever national training course for police chaplains.

The programme aims to explore their role within the force as well as share expertise from across the country.

Sgt Earl, also responsible for the force's public order training department, was drafted in to support officers at the height of the July disturbances.

He said: "The police is an organisation that is perceived as macho, but police officers are still human.

"During the riots, chaplains were always available, they were just there in case anyone needed to talk.

"There is something important in allowing people to tell their story.

"It is not about being overtly religious. It's about recognising the human beings behind the organisation and supporting them. We call it 'loitering with intent'."

Sgt Earl teamed up with a part-time chaplain from Northumbria Police, the Reverend Peter McConnell, to devise the two-and-a-half-day sessions.

A total of five courses are scheduled for the next 12 months at the force's training school at Bishopgarth, Wakefield.

Sgt Earl said the aim was to engage chaplains in an increasingly diverse, multi-faith, multi-racial environment.

"It give chaplains the opportunity to network," he added. "This course allows them to see chaplaincy in a wider aspect because they are able to share with colleagues from all over the country.

"They can ask the 'what if?' questions. When you are a chaplain, everyone comes to you, but who do you go to?

"The course answers these questions."