A DRIVE to raise the profile of Bolton's bobbies on the beat has been launched in Farnworth and Westhoughton.

Posters showing photographs and contact details of the area's community police officers have gone on display at train stations and bus shelters. The drive comes as latest police research reveals that most people do not know who their community policemen are. A Greater Manchester Police spokesman said: "A lot of people do not know where they are based or how to contact them for help. This also means that they have not been able to pass on vital community information.

"The new initiative is designed to extensively publicise the names, faces and contact details of community officers."

Westhoughton currently has four community beat officers with seven covering Farnworth. They each have responsibility for different parts of the areas.

The areas were chosen to front the new drive -- which applies to all parts of Bolton -- due to their large size.

The spokesman added: "They are on hand to help whenever you have a crime problem that is not an emergency.

"They know your area, walk the streets and are regular faces at your local school. They are the frontline crimefighters of your community, working to improve the quality of your life."

For full details, visit www.gmp.police.uk