From spotting burglars to keeping a watchful eye over the waterside, volunteers at a CCTV control room play an integral part in keeping Gorleston safe.

Starting with five CCTV cameras in the High Street area in 2008, the town's CCTV network has expanded to 27 - covering busy thoroughfares, residential areas and the seafront.

Now, the 12 volunteers at the control centre are on the lookout for new enthusiastic members to join the team.

Eastern Daily Press: A volunteer at the Gorleston CCTV centre.A volunteer at the Gorleston CCTV centre. (Image: Sonya Duncan)Working in three-hour shifts, operators at the nerve centre remain vigilant for culprits of crimes, including burglaries, thefts and fraud. They also monitor for vital evidence in road traffic collisions and missing persons.

Working alongside Norfolk Constabulary, volunteers have conducted thousands of reviews and provided evidence in court.

Eastern Daily Press: CCTV operators keep a watchful eye over Gorleston from the viewpoint of 27 cameras.CCTV operators keep a watchful eye over Gorleston from the viewpoint of 27 cameras. (Image: Sonya Duncan)One volunteer, who cannot be named for protection purposes, said they jumped at the chance to volunteer when the centre opened 16 years ago.

"It's a big responsibility, but it can also be good fun," the volunteer said.

"It can be exciting to be at the heart of an ongoing case, and it remains an incredibly important part of policing."

Eastern Daily Press: CCTV operators are responsible for keeping emergency services informed across Gorleston. CCTV operators are responsible for keeping emergency services informed across Gorleston. (Image: Sonya Duncan)Operators also play a huge part in keeping people safe by the waterside, another volunteer said.

"The position of the cameras allow us to be an extra pair of eyes for emergency services and this has been very helpful overlooking the pier," they said.

The volunteer gave an account of a time when someone had fallen off of Gorleston pier and into the sea. Officers on the ground were unable to locate the person, but due to the vantage point of the CCTV cameras, operators were able to advise the police on where to find them.

Eastern Daily Press: PC Gayler looking at the CCTV camera on the side of Gorleston Police Station.PC Gayler looking at the CCTV camera on the side of Gorleston Police Station. (Image: Sonya Duncan)The volunteer added: "The person survived, and it was a huge team effort in keeping them safe.

"You don't get that with many other voluntary roles."

The team is on the lookout for recruits who are over 18, able to commit at least three hours per week and have good communication and computer skills.

For more information, email: tvg316@gmail.com