POLICE officers are joining the British National Rally Championships - to promote road safety.

Inspector Shaun Cronin, 41, and Sergeant Colin Bell, 40, will make their debut as the Dorset Police Rally Team in 2006 by taking part in the Rallye Sunseeker at Bournemouth in February.

The pair say they will use the opportunity to promote safe driving.

Driver Inspector Cronin said: "What we're saying to people is that there is plenty of opportunity to drive quickly - just not on the public roads.

"There are opportunities for 17 and 18-year-olds to drive fast in motor sport where they can get their excitement safely and legally.

"Not a lot of people know that you can begin karting at the age of eight and be a rally co-driver at 16."

The father-of-two said his experience chasing criminals and responding to emergency calls had helped hone his driving skills.

"Because of my experience in the traffic police I am used to driving quickly but in a controlled way on the road.

"In fact, this should be easier because there won't be any traffic coming in the opposite direction."

The duo will be driving a Subaru rally car in Dorset Police colours.

Insp Cronin believes Sgt Bell's role with Dorset Police helicopter would help him with instructions.

"If he can read a map while bobbing around in the helicopter, he should be able to do it easily in a rally car."

Insp Cronin said the pair came up with the idea after talking to the marketing manager of the Rallye Sunseeker earlier this year.

He said although they had the backing of Dorset Police, the project was not funded by the force.

He said: "Sponsorship is coming from commercial companies and we won't be getting time off to practice."

Rallye Sunseeker, the biggest motorsport event of its type in the south of England, celebrates its 21st birthday at the opening round of the UK National Rally Championship in 2006.

During that time the event, jointly organised by Southern Car Club and Croydon and District Motor Club, will see many of Britain's top rally drivers heading for Bournemouth.