Around 200 volunteer police specials are to be given a rebate on their council tax from next year, it has been announced this evening.

Kent police commissioner Ann Barnes says she plans to offer the rebate on the police part of the tax to acknowledge the work they do as volunteers.

It is estimated the scheme will cost the force about £28,000 and the rebate will be offered to any special constable who has served at least two years as a volunteer.

The Kent Police part of the council tax went up this year after the commissioner decided to recruit 100 additional frontline staff, including 60 more police community support officers and 20 police constables.

Commissioner Ann Barnes said specials put themselves at risk in the same way as ordinary police.

"These are ordinary men and women who do an extraordinary thing - they give up an enormous amount of their own time often whilst juggling 'the day job' and play a significant part in frontline policing as volunteers.

"They are an inspiration to all of us and their dedication and commitment to keeping our streets safe is second to none."

Kent Police Chief Constable Ian Learmonth said: "Specials are an integral and extremely important part of Kent Police.

"I have the utmost respect for their community-minded desire to volunteer in that most important way - keeping their fellow citizens safe. They deserve recognition and thanks for their work, and this rebate of the police precept from our crime commissioner is a great way to do that."

The police commissioner increased the force council tax by 2% this year to pay for the extra jobs.