POLICE officers and support staff are being given the opportunity to make sure they are in shape by visiting a mobile health unit which will tour stations.

Traditionally, officers have had to go to force headquarters at Penrith to receive occupational health, welfare and fitness advice.

Sally Warton, Cumbria Constabulary's director of personnel and development, said: "Policing is a demanding job both physically and emotionally.

This is why we have created this pioneering initiative to provide support and address the needs of our staff at the locations where they need it."

Services provided onboard the vehicle, include medicals, such as cholesterol testing and body fat monitoring, welfare issues like counselling, and coping with traumatic incidents, along with fitness issues such as a healthy lifestyle and nutritional advice.

Mr Warton said: "By visiting stations, it allows all members of the force to see what support is available to them, whether they need it at the present time, or not."