SURREY’S police force has launched an affinity scheme as part of its benefits package to offer staff, former employees and their families the chance to buy or lease a car.

The deal follows the constabulary’s decision to improve its portfolio of benefits.

It means all its 3,500 employees, former staff and their families can take advantage of the AutoChoice Benefits Direct affinity scheme offered by ALD Automotive.

This offers new and used cars at discounted and competitive rates. The force’s head of business development Ray Rutherford said: ‘We are consistently looking to expand the range of benefits we offer employees and believe the AutoChoice Benefits Direct will prove very attractive.

Surrey Police promotes the scheme via its intranet site and internal newspaper. Those eligible can access the AutoChoice website, which contains comprehensive details of vehicles, including photographs, specification and price.

Employees and ex-police staff can also arrange a purchase or discuss funding options via a dedicated helpline. The team also sells insurance.