GREATER Manchester Police has welcomed 100 new police officers to its ranks.

Among the new recruits was PC Idris Mahmood, who has been posted two Oldham after spending to years as a PCSO.

He has also completed a degree in Criminology with his undergraduate research being focused mainly in the violent crime field.

The new officers were sworn in at an attestation ceremony at Manchester Grammar School attended by chief constable Ian Hopkins, the lord mayor, Cllr Abid Latif Chohan, deputy mayor for policing and crime, Bev Hughes and lord lieutenant of Greater Manchester Warren Smith.

Friends and family were also invited to watch as each of the officers took the oath to uphold the officer of constable with fairness, integrity, diligence and impartiality.

Mr Hopkins said: “I am delighted to welcome the new officers to GMP.

“As a force, we remain committed to delivering the highest level of public service in order to keep the people of Greater Manchester safe and I am confident our new recruits will be a great asset in helping us do so.

“This cohort reflected the communities of Greater Manchester and so will enhance our legitimacy. The more diverse our organisations are the better policing outcomes we will deliver.”

All the new recruits have experience, talent and a passion for policing communities in Greater Manchester.

Here are just a few of their stories:

Sarah De Meulemester moved to the UK to pursue her dreams and study for a degree in Criminal Investigation and Policing. She has most recently been working for GMP as a call handler and is now looking forward to becoming more involved in day-to-day activities as police officer and standing closer to the community. She has been posted to Stockport.

Khalim Khan was inspired to join the police service by his brother who is currently a police officer with GMP.

Khalim joined GMP in September 2017 as an apprentice. He then went on to become a custody detention officer and is now looking forward to his news challenge as an officer. Constable Khan has been posted to Bolton.

ChangYu Yang started in GMP as an apprentice. He is looking forward to becoming a police officer to serve the public. Chang can speak fluent Chinese Mandarin and as such will also be working closely to support the Chinese Community.

Constable Yang has been posted to Stockport.