THE search is on to find new members for a group that helps Cumbria Police.

The Independent Advisory Group (IAG) is a panel of people who advise the police at times of serious incidents, and consider the impact of police policies on communities.

The group also has a specific interest in hate crime and issues affecting minority ethnic communities in the area.

Chairman, Peter Foley, is extending the remit and membership of the group to a Community Consultative Group. This will focus on issues that most affect people in West Cumbria.

And it will allow members to bring those issues directly to the attention of the police in an informal setting.

Previously, young people have been under-represented in the group. Organisers say they would be welcome to provide the perspective of the local youth.

Gary Slater, superintendent for West Cumbria, said: "We have a long and productive history of working with the local IAG and now we have an opportunity to extend their remit and membership for the benefit of West Cumbria. I look forward to working with the group in the future."

Anyone who is interested in joining should contact Tracy Bell at Tracy.bell@cumbria.police.uk or phone 101, option 2, ext 49964 and leave a message.

Alternatively, you can attend the first meeting of the group at Workington Police Station at 2pm on Tuesday September 13.