THE Government is to create nationwide funding to open centres for victims of sexual assault, just days after one was opened in Middlesbrough.

The statement was described as "the best possible endorsement of our determination to put the needs of victims as a top priority" by Pam Andrews-Mawer, chairwoman of Cleveland Police Authority's community protection panel.

The Government is to provide funding for sexual assault referral centres in Hull, Liverpool, Plymouth and Rotherham.