A Cleveland police officer is championing an initiative to improve standards of adult literacy and numeracy in the area.

Deputy Chief Constable Ron Hogg has joined the £50m Get On North-East campaign as a Skills for Life champion.

Mr Hogg will focus on raising standards in the Cleveland Police area. Leaflets will be available in police stations to promote the campaign.

The campaign aims to improve the skills of the estimated 400,000 adults across the region who have difficulties with reading, writing and basic maths, and improve the quality and quantity of training.

Mr Hogg said: "Prisons in the region are doing their bit to help inmates make a better life for themselves upon release, and I see this as our part in helping them before they get to that stage."

Courses offered by the scheme can be taken at a number of learning centres or over the internet.

For more information, telephone the Get On helpline on 0800 100 900.