LUCKY for some. Thirteen volunteers have come forward to rescue the police.

They will be manning the front office at Winchmore Hill police station to enable it to reopen on weekdays.

Borough Commander Janet Williams pledged to extend the opening hours of local stations if volunteers would man them so that officers could patrol the streets.

She said: "The response has been overwhelming and it is this dedication that has made it possible to re-open Winchmore Hill. The range of skills and experience the volunteers are offering will help build closer relationships between the police and the community and reassure the public."

Twenty-eight residents offered their services and 13 were accepted and trained. Eleven will run Winchmore Hill police station and two will support schemes in other parts of the borough.

Each volunteer has received thorough training, passed vetting procedures and will be shadowed for their first couple of weeks by officers from the Met's Special Constabulary.

Officers will review the volunteer scheme over the next six months. If it proves successful in reducing crime and is popular with local residents Winchmore Hill will remain open.

The police station was officially re-opened on Monday by Enfield Southgate MP Stephen Twigg.