THE first police community support officers in Wales - dubbed Blunkett's Bouncers - took to the streets of the Valleys yesterday.

The 15 new officers, known as PCSOs, are to work alongside police officers to solve neighbourhood problems.

Gwent Police is one of 27 forces - and the only force in Wales - to get Home Office funding for the two-year pilot project.

The new PCSOs will have uniforms and carry out high visibility foot patrols in communities.

They will not have the same powers as police officers but are able to detain people for limited periods.

The first 15 PCSOs will work in C Division, which incorporates the Caerphilly county borough and Blaenau Gwent and will be based at police stations in Ebbw Vale, Tredegar, Brynmawr, Abertillery, Blackwood, Risca, Ystrad Mynach, Bargoed, Caerphilly and Bedwas.

Their responsibilities will include patrolling on foot - responding to calls for assistance and countering criminal activity and public disorder. Chief Superintendent Ian Johnston, commander of C Division, said: "I am sure that members of the public will be reassured by their presence."

The first 15 began their month-long classroom training at Lever Hall in Ebbw Vale on February 3. Another 15 candidates begin their training this week.