A community police station was opened yesterday.

The facility, in Thirsk's Market Place, was formally opened by the county's High Sheriff, Air Commodore Simon Bostock.

It is open to the public from 11am to 3pm and 4pm to 7pm, Mondays through to Saturdays and will be staffed by police support staff as well as being the base for community beat officer PC Frances Hannan.

It is the first policing development in Thirsk since the existing police station in Westgate was built about 1885.

The old station will remain open until a site on the York Road industrial estate is developed to accommodate the force's vehicle fleet management and operational policing staff, due to begin in the spring.

The project is the result of a working partnership between police, town and district councils, Thirsk Regeneration Initiative and the community.

Local area commander Inspector Val Broadley said: "This marks a very positive step forward in the development of up-to-date policing facilities in Thirsk.

"It is hoped that the move to the Market Place will provide a more visible police presence to the people of the town and the surrounding area."

"The new office is in a good location, easily accessible within the heart of the main shopping area and convenient for the public. It will be much easier for people to call in, either for assistance or to pass on information."