LANCASHIRE'S Police and Crime Commissioner, Clive Grunshaw has praised a rehabilitation centre which helped 400 officers lest year.

He joined Chief Constable Andy Rhodes on a visit to Ribble Valley's St Michael's Lodge

It is one of five locations across the North West of England supporting a number of police forces, run by the North West Police Benevolent Fund (NWPBF).

It offers physiotherapy and other support for officers who may have been involved in a serious incidents and helps them move forward.

Mr Grunshaw said: "The wellbeing of officers is absolutely critical, especially at a time when the pressures they are facing day in and day out have never been greater.

"Looking after the emotional and physical needs of officers is a really important part of the work that Lancashire police do, and anything that helps those who protect us in their time of need can only be a good thing."

Jackie Smithies from NWPBF said: "We recognise all too well the huge pressures placed on police officers both serving and retired.

"It is inevitable and a sad part of the role that officers will get injured or become ill, which can be both physically and mentally, and will need time and help to recover.

"We look to provide treatment, help and support."