Police have unveiled a pedal-powered patrol car complete with siren and blue flashing light.

Officers believe building their new five-gear vehicle, which has a top speed of 20 miles per hour, will help combat anti-social behaviour.

The white car cost over £1,000, has full Hampshire Constabulary livery and a roll bar to protect the driver in the event of a crash.

However, police admit that even if they are pedalling furiously they are unlikely to be able to apprehend anyone other than "those with a zimmer frame".

The car will be entered into the British Pedal Car Grand Prix on July 11 in Ringwood, Hants.

PC Keith Waller, who will pilot the vehicle, spent 40 hours painstakingly building the replica car with children aged 13 to 16 at Ringwood Comprehensive School.

He insisted that getting involved with the project allowed police to show their "fun side" and made them look "cooler" and "more approachable".

But he also admitted it had made him a laughing stock as people drew comparisons with him and Mr Plod from cartoonseries Noddy from Toytown.

PC Waller, a 51-year-old father of two, said: "The pedal car grand prix is a fantastic event which brings the community together.

"Getting youngsters involved gives them something to focus on at lunch and after school, so they are not out there committing anti-social behaviour.

(Read by Renee Haines. Renee Haines is a journalist at the China Daily Web site.)

点击查看更多双语新闻

(Agencies)