Lincolnshire Police will have recruited a record-breaking 240 police officers in just two years, according to papers revealed this week.

In the next financial year the force will be given funding by Lincolnshire's Police and Crime Commissioner to recruit another 120 officers – in addition to the 120 recruited this year.

The PCC's budget, revealed this week, also outlines the creation of a new £3 million fund to be spent over the next three years to tackle violence and prevent crime.

The £3 million investment is being made following successful bids to central Government by PCC Marc Jones for additional money to boost policing and reduce crime.

That money will be used to deliver innovative solutions to preventing and tacking violent crimes, sexual violence, domestic and child abuse as well as crimes involving weapons and drugs.

It will also be focused on protecting people living in isolated and rural areas from victimisation by criminals.

PCC Marc Jones said plans will be developed to ensure the money makes a real difference in reducing crime and harm across the county and making communities feel and be safer.

According to budget papers revealed this week new Chief Constable Chris Haward will have a budget of £102 million – up from £94.5 million last year.

The addition of a further 120 officers in the next financial year and further recruitment planned up to 2023 could see overall officer numbers exceed the all-time high of 1,250.

PCC Marc Jones said: "I am immensely proud to have taken the force from the brink of bankruptcy only a few years ago to the successful, forward thinking and well-equipped force we see today.

"Many said it couldn't be done but we are heading into an exciting new era for policing across Lincolnshire. Of course, there is more to be done, but with the new Chief Constable at the helm, record recruitment and the investments already made and planned in equipment and new technology, Lincolnshire Police is truly on the up.

"I want to see more officers in our neighbourhoods, more responding to calls from the public and more fighting crime proactively.

"The plans the Chief and I have agreed provide a challenging but exciting future for Lincolnshire Police and I have every confidence that, in Chris Haward, we have a superb Chief Constable to deliver for our communities."