MI5 wants women James Bonds who can read maps

London, September 27 (ANI): British security agency MI5 is urging women to apply for 25,000 pounds per year mobile surveillance officer roles.

The unusual step comes at a time when the security services are suggested to be desperately short of women to carry out surveillance operations on the 2,000 terror suspects, being monitored up and down the country.

However, the agency wants that only women who are "competent and careful" drivers, and "capable of using A-Z and Philips Road maps" apply for the post.

"Surveillance plays a vitally important role within the Security Service and is a key investigative resource," the Daily Star quoted the advert posted on the MI5 website as reading.

"Mobile surveillance officers follow targets of national security investigations.

"It is all about observing the people or places, either on foot or by vehicle.

"Due to operational requirements, we particularly welcome applications from women and ethnic minorities," the advertisement said.

The ad specifies that the type of people being recruited must be highly observant with a "flair for thinking on your feet", and an ability to operate specialist equipment.

It warns applicants that they must first pass a 75-day course to test their physical and mental strength.

The spy agency is also looking for psychologists, electrical technicians, language specialists, computer experts, and behavioural scientists. (ANI)