DORSET'S police and crime commissioner has hired a private PR company to handle his publicity.

Martyn Underhill appointed agency Liz Lean PR for a temporary period of three weeks - to cover staff absence.

However, he has reassured residents that the agency has been hired on an 'as required' contract, meaning staff will be paid only if the company is used.

All costs above £500 must be published on the official Office of the Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner website.

Mr Underhill said: “I have appointed a local PR agency for a temporary period of three weeks to cover staff vacancies and annual leave to ensure that we continue to provide an efficient service to the media – something that journalists understandably expect.

"A number of local agencies were approached to work with my office and the successful agency were selected on the basis that they provided the best value to the public."

Mr Underhill was re-elected for a second term in office in May this year.

His deputy, Colin Pipe, previously worked in a voluntary capacity, but is now being paid for 30 hours of work a week at £44,800 pro-rata.

Mr Pipe is also entitled to 24 days of leave per year.

Mr Underhill said: “The cost of appointing Mr Pipe, along with the PR agency, are accounted for under the current budget.

"Staffing costs can be viewed on the Dorset OPCC website and further information about Mr Pipe’s appointment is publicly available as part of the Police and Crime Panel’s papers.

“My role cannot be undertaken without support staff, many of whom are working on statutory tasks or undertaking defined projects, funded by extra grant income.”

The deputy PCC role, along with a current vacant media and communications manager post, was included within the budget set back in February 2016.

A spokesperson from Liz Lean PR said staff will be assisting Mr Underhill and his office until Friday, August 5 to "maintain an excellent level of communication to the media".