A POLICE force is leading the way in a national drive to get more bobbies on the beat.

An expansion of neighbourhood policing was launched across the country yesterday, in a bid to get more officers patrolling communities.

But Cleveland Police last night said it was ahead of the game, with at least one dedicated police officer already in place for each neighbourhood across the force area.

A scheme to introduce more neighbourhood officers had been operating in Hartlepool over the past year, he said.

And police are delighted that recent figures show crime has dropped by ten per cent in that time, with detection rates up by six per cent.

Cleveland Police Chief Constable Sean Price said: "The public and their elected representatives have made it clear that they want a more visible presence on the streets, and greater contact with officers dedicated to their area.

"Neighbourhood policing is delivering that improved service to our communities.

"We currently have 128 police community support officers throughout the force. Due to the strong support of the Police Authority, and joint funding with external partners, this level is to increase to 161 by August, and ultimately to 197.

"These additional officers will predominantly be patrolling on foot, to provide high visibility reassurances to the public while tackling local crime and disorder problems."