Police officers from forces across Yorkshire stood side by side with representatives of agencies such as the RSPCA and the British Deer Society at a Wildlife Crime training day held at Driffield Rugby Club today (Friday March 19).

The aim of the workshop was to hammer home the message that poaching is now a serious form of organised crime and the archetypal image of a man taking home a few rabbits for the family pot is long gone.

It gave officers and representatives of the rural community a chance to brush up on the skills needed to identify poachers as well as the tools and knowledge needed to bring those committing rural crime to justice.

The event also gave the British Deer Society a platform from which to lanch their 'Shine a Light on Rural Crime' campaign which urges the public to report anything suspicious to the police.

Superintendent Mike Duggleby said: "I am pleased with today, the response from all and the learning that is taking place is superb.

"I would like my officers to have the knowledge and skills to deal with wildlife crime which is often cruel, sporadic and difficult to detect."

•For the full story and pictures see next Wednesday's Driffield Times.