MOUNTED police and a group of young recruits formed a guard of honour during a ceremony to mark the reopening of a newly-refurbished police station in Bebington.

The building, which closed in November 2013, has undergone a six-month renovation.

Existing partitions and walls have been removed to provide a building that will now house 74 police officers, community support officers and special constables.

It also has a new interview room where police can meet members of the public on an appointment basis.

Work to reopen the station was officially started by police commissioner Jane Kennedy, chief constable Andy Cooke Wirral Council leader, Cllr Phil Davies last July when they ceremonially cut the sod at the Civic Way site.

It was officially opened by police commissioner Jane Kennedy, chief constable Andy Cooke and Wirral South MP Alison McGovern this week.

Two police officers on horseback and members of the forces' youngest recruits, the Mini Police, provide a guard of honour for guests arrived at the station for the ceremony.

Ms Kennedy said: "I'm pleased that following a major refurbishment programme we are now in a position to re-open Bebington Police Station.

"I hope that Bebington Police Station will be an asset not just for Merseyside Police, but for local people and the wider community for years to come.

"Not only does it put the Force right back at the heart of the community, it provides a place from which officers and staff can meet local people face-to-face."

The project to bring Bebington Police Station back into use is part of a 10-year strategy to modernise Merseyside Police's buildings and facilities, while working to reduce the annual running costs of around £2.5m.

Ms Kennedy continued: "The force need stations which are modern and fit for the purpose of policing in the 21st century and I am committed to providing the most affordable and effective buildings possible, while simultaneously reducing the running costs of the entire police estate to make sure even more money can be reinvested in the frontline."

Chief Constable Andy Cooke said: "I'm delighted to see the completion of this major refurbishment work, which keeps us right at the heart of our communities, and I would like to thank both Jane and Alison for their time, support and backing.

"Investing in new premises will be vital in maintaining a modern and affordable police force across Merseyside, and Bebington Police Station sets the standard."

The renovations were part funded by money separate from that used to pay for police officers and staff.

Among the invited guests were Cllr George Davies, Wirral's cabinet member for community safety, who said: "Access to police stations is high on the agenda for our communities in Wirral, and this will give people in Bebington access to their neighbourhood police team in an easily accessible location.

"People will be reassured to see neighbourhood officers and PCSOs at work in the heart of the communities they serve."