A MODERN well-equipped police station opened for business yesterday.

The station, in Lord Street, Redcar, is next to the town's old police station, which is expected to be sold off next year.

The development marks the latest phase of a £38m building programme to give Cleveland Police modern facilities.

The launch follows the opening of a Redcar district headquarters on the Kirkleatham Business Park and another station in South Bank.

A Middlesbrough district headquarters, being built in St Hilda's, Middlesbrough, will become operational early next year.

Councillor Dave McLuckie, chairman of Cleveland Police Authority, and Cleveland Chief Constable Sean Price opened the Redcar station.

The building will act as a base for neighbourhood police officers and police community support officers.

It will also have a front desk open to the public.

The police station is part of a private finance initiative project.