New recruits joining Croydon police took part in the borough's first graduation ceremony last Friday.

All 17 officers started their training in Hendon but then attended a 12-week course in Orpington allowing recruits to be trained closer to the town they will serve in.

The officers reaffirmed their oath to the Queen and were presented with a certificate of declaration of service by Croydon's mayor Councillor Brenda Kirby.

Borough commander, Chief Superintendent Vicki Marr, said: "I am extremely proud to be welcoming these additional police officers to Croydon.

"We now have more police officers patrolling the streets of Croydon than ever before and this will hopefully provide reassurance to the local community."