A Frenchman has become the first foreign national to join Lancashire Police.
Christian Maillot, 36, who is originally from Valenciennes, but has been living in Blackpool for 16 years, has joined up under new government rules introduced in 2003.
Forces now have to accept applications from people from European Community countries.
Other states are also eligible, including Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein.
Mr Maillot said: "My wife works at an off licence in Blackpool and last November they had a shoplifting incident which was reported to the police.
"The officer who dealt with the incident talked to my wife about the job of a police officer and how it was the best job in the world.
"My wife said to him that I would love to join but couldn't.
Training under way
"The officer immediately thought that I had a criminal record or had even been to prison.
"My wife told the officer that it was worse than that, it was because I was French!"
He said the officer told him to apply, adding: "I am absolutely thrilled about it."
Mr Maillot is being trained at police headquarters in Hutton and will soon start work in Blackpool.
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