BT is encouraging members of its workforce to become special constables with the police force.

The company, which employs 7,000 people in Scotland, has teamed up with Police Scotland under a new initiative to get its workers taking on the voluntary roles.

Special constables are part-time volunteer officers who work alongside regular police officers and have similar powers to them.

Their roles include patrolling the streets, supporting victims of crime, attending football matches and giving evidence in court.

BT said it and its local network business Openreach are supporters of the programme across the UK and it is now targeting employees across Scotland to get them to consider volunteering.

BT Scotland director Brendan Dick said: "BT is the first major employer in Scotland to run a voluntary specials recruitment scheme with Police Scotland.

"Over many years I have seen the benefits that special constables bring to their employer, the individual and the community that we serve. I wholeheartedly encourage our people to consider becoming special constables."

Workers who serve as special constables would be given up to 10 days in paid special leave each year to carry out training or operational duties.

Chief Constable Phil Gormley said: "I'm delighted BT is encouraging its workforce to volunteer with Police Scotland as special constables.

"Members of the special constabulary provide a vital link between policing and the public; by volunteering, individuals epitomise public-spiritedness and I know that our special constables take great pride in what they do."