Move over Emma Bunton, here comes Essex police officer Joanne Barry.

The Spice Girl may be top of the pops at the moment, but PC Barry, based at Stansted Airport, has set her sights on number one by releasing a single.

Her cover version of the Indie band Coldplay's dance hit Trouble is in the shops now and has had an encouraging response from club DJs.

Born in Chelmsford, Miss Barry joined the force more than ten years ago and was first posted to Thurrock where she received a chief constable's commendation.

She transferred to Stansted in 1998, but has since sustained two serious back injuries whilst on duty and is on sick leave.

The 30-year-old uses the stage name of Frances and says she only sings at venues outside Essex to keep force duties and her music life separate.

"It's a dream come true. I've only ever wanted to become a police officer or a singer and I'm delighted to have fulfilled both of these ambitions," she added.

Ms Barry begins work on an original song next month. She plans to release another cover to ensure she stays on the dance scene.

Songs police officers could have sung

I Fought The Law And The Law Won - The Clash

Police Release Me - Englebert Humperdink

We Are Detectives - Thompson Twins

All We Are Saying Is Give Police A Chance - John Lennon and the Plastic Ono Band.

I Shot The Sheriff - Bob Marley

Caught By The Fuzz - Supergrass

I Want To Be Bobbie's Girl - Susan Maughan

Watching The Detectives - Elvis Costello

Sheriff Fatman - Carter USM

Copper Cobana - Barry Manilow

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.