NORTH Kent police's youngest recruit got a taste of life as a policeman.

Nine-year-old Jack Thatcher was sped to force headquarters in a police car and given a spin on the training skid pan after writing to New Ash Green beat officers PCs Neil Loudon and Gary Benzies about wanting to be a policeman when he grows up.

The New Ash Green primary school pupil also toured the communications centre before getting his fingerprints taken back at Gravesend police station.

Jack said: "I want to be a policeman even more now."

PC Loudon said: "It's good to know Jack's keeping it altogether while we're not there."