WHEN it comes to attracting recruits, a North-East police force has proved it is one of the best.

Figures show that Cleveland Police is one of the top three performing forces in the UK.

"This is good news for the force and good news for the people of Cleveland," said Chief Constable Sean Price.

West Mercia topped the figures by increasing its numbers by 12 per cent while Derbyshire was level with Cleveland, with an eight percent rise.

Cleveland Police said it was leading the way in flexible working, an approach which had helped recruitment and also resulted in a significant growth in the numbers of women and ethnic group officers.

"We have so many good applicants in the pipeline we won't be actively recruiting until April next year,'' said Mr Price.

A total of 120 extra officers were recruited by Cleveland Police in the 12 months to the end of March.

The force has 1,324 male officers and 268 women officers. Of that total, 23 come from ethnic minorities.

The chairman of Cleveland Police Authority, Councillor Ken Walker, said the drive to increase numbers would continue.

He said: "The budget for the current year should enable us to further increase police officer numbers by around 60."