Blackbird Leys in Oxford is to get three new Police Community Support Officers.

Richard Osborn, Kate Hellenburgh and Kate Howkins will finish their classroom training next week before officially beginning full-time duties such as tackling antisocial behaviour, drug dealing and the use of noisy mini motos.

Mr Osborn, 32, who is originally from the Isle of Man, was a soldier in the Pioneers, and saw action in Iraq, Bosnia and Northern Ireland. He was a corporal before deciding to retrain as a Pcso.

Mr Osborn said: "I am used to the rank structure and wearing the uniform - it has been an easy transition.

"I like the variety - there is always something different happening every day. Anything might come over the radio."

Ms Howkins, 21, from Bicester, said she might use her training from a past career in childcare when talking to schoolchildren about the Pcsos' role on the estate.