A police force is looking to lose 20 civilian posts in a bid to balance the books.

Northern Constabulary says no officers will be lost as part of the drive to meet the force budget.

Police staff are to be offered voluntary redundancy in a bid to avoid the need for compulsory job losses.

The force say 40 individuals have so far expressed an interest in the option.

The force’s board accepted the efficiency saving proposal from the Chief Constable at a meeting on Friday.

Chief Constable Ian Latimer, said:  "The foreseeable future is very challenging for public sector budgets and difficult decisions will be necessary for which we have a responsibility to ensure are made with the best interests of the communities we serve.

“We will continue to deliver the best possible service with the money available. Voluntary redundancies and efficiency savings will aim to minimise the need for compulsory redundancies, which may be necessary to achieve the savings required.

"The Force is in a very much stronger position than two years ago, following the Force Review, with an establishment of over 800 officers and streamlined support services and we will continue to invest and modernise and improve, utilising redesign and rationalisation to achieve the maximum benefits."