AN East Lancashire woman will be putting her knowledge of the law to the test after taking up a new job.

For law graduate Stephanie Malone has joined Lancashire Police as a police community support officer (PCSO) for the Rosegrove area of Burnley.

The 25-year-old, who lives in Hyndburn, studied for a law degree at the University of Glamorgan, in Wales.

She said: "Having studied law I've obviously got a keen interest in the subject so working for the police is ideal.

I'm looking forward to using my knowledge and the new skills I've gained whilst training to become a PCSO to make the local community safer." Stephanie, who was born in Dublin, will join forces with the community beat manager for Rosegrove, PC Jeff Dickinson, and five other officers responsible for the patch.

Her role will be to work with her new colleagues and local residents to help tackle crime and disorder issues in the area.

After completing her degree, Stephanie travelled around Europe before joining Crow Wood Leisure Centre, Burnley, where she worked as a personal trainer.

She left that post to take up her new role with the police.

When she is not working, she enjoys keeping fit and running - having completed the Dublin Marathon in 2005.