A new police community support officer funded by a parish council was introduced to the public on May 10.

PCSO Kai Farrant will be patrolling the streets of Buckhurst Hill after the town's parish council negotiated his hiring with Essex Police.

He was introduced to residents at the council's annual parish assembly and spoke of the work he would be doing, conducting high visibility patrols and targeting known crime hot spots.

He will also meet with local residents and organisations.

Neville Wright, council chairman, said: "It is about the residents and making residents feel safe and reassured.

"It will be nice for Kai to engage with local residents and the parish council."