IT'S nice work if you can get it. With sun-drenched beaches, crystal clear Caribbean seas and temperatures on average in the 80s, the Cayman Islands are for many people a dream holiday destination.

Unless you are a fortunate member of Hampshire Constabulary and have landed a two-year secondment to the paradise islands.

Which is just what a husband and wife police couple from Hampshire have done.

While their colleagues are busy battling crime on the streets of the county, PCs Simon and Pauline Bennett are enjoying life on islands famed for their beauty and, ironically, lack of crime.

Simon and Pauline, who were stationed at Southsea and Park Gate before their departure, spotted the advertisement for the overseas jobs in October last year.

Then, following a successful application, they flew out to start their two-year posting in November and are not due back until November 2005.

While on the islands, the officers will be performing similar routine duties as the colleagues they have left behind in Hampshire, except their uniforms now include shorts.

A spokesman for the Royal Cayman Police Force said it was quite usual for police officers from around the world to come to work in the Caymans, because with such a diverse cultural population, the authorities like to have officers from many different countries.

There are already several other British police officers working the beat, while officers from countries including Canada, the US and the Philippines are also part of the island's force.

While they are out there, the couple's salaries will continue to be paid by Hampshire Constabulary, however the force then recoups the costs from the Royal Cayman Police Force.

When asked why so many officers were attracted to the Caymans, the spokesman added: "Why else? The beautiful beaches, warm clear seas and year-round sunshine. Who wouldn't be?"