AROUND 14 per cent of all police officers in East Lancashire work flexible hours including child- friendly hours, it has been revealed.

A total of 134 police officers working in both Eastern and Pennine divisions of Lancashire Constabulary currently have flexible work arrangements in place.

A Freedom of Information request submitted by the Lancashire Telegraph found East Lancashire has the highest rate of flexible working in Lancashire, almost doubling the number of officers working child- friendly hours in neighbouring divisions.

Of the 502 officers working in Eastern division which covers Blackburn with Darwen, Hyndburn and Ribble Valley, 48 female officers and 12 male officers work hours around their home life.

In Pennine division 54 female officers which covers Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale, the breakdown is 54 female officers and 20 male officers — 15 per cent of the 490 officers employees who patrol the beat.

Flexible work can involve reduced hours and varied shift rotas.

A Lancashire police spokesman said: “As a good employer, flexible working is a practical consideration for a successful employment relationship.”

Neighbouring Central division, which covers the Preston area, has just 26 officers taking advantage of the force’s flexible working policy.

The flexible working policy is also offered to police support staff.

In East Lancashire, 73 members of police staff made up of 55 females and 18 men also work flexible hours.

This equates to almost a quarter of police staff members in East Lancashire.