Thames Valley Police has launched the first regular officer's blog in a bid to keep people in touch with local policing.

The first posting came from the area's top cop, chief inspector Dennis Evernden.

Officers from the Anti-Social Behaviour Team and Priority Crime Team will update the blog each month.

And the Youth Offending Service and West Oxfordshire District Council's Community Safety Partnership will also be making use of the direct link to people's homes.

Mr Evernden's first message focuses on one of the main local priorities, underage drinking and related anti-social behaviour. It follows a new initiative, announced on Monday, which saw around 2,000 Christmas cards sent to 15 and 16 year olds in the district's seven secondary schools warning of the dangers of alcohol.

The 'whosmybobby' website was set up 15 months ago. So far there have been over 300,000 hits.

Mr Evernden said yesterday: "We are absolutely overwhelmed at the great support Who's My Bobby continues to receive from the public.

"Since the launch we have developed it to introduce pages on crime reduction, neighbourhood action groups and internet safety. To get 300,000 hits is testament this service is welcomed by local communities."

The website has its own cartoon character based on the Morris Minor panda car. Mousemats featuring Bobby's top 10 internet safety tips were recently given to pupils. Jill Dunsmore, the district council's cabinet member for communities, said the blogs are another effective way of police communicating with the public.

She added: "We're now keen to encourage children in primary schools to access the site and find out the name of their local officer.

"This website will help those who use the internet find this information and contact their local police team, although it shouldn't replace public engagement and uniformed patrols that provide visible reassurance to communities."