THE average time from arrest to sentence for persistent young offenders in the region is on the rise, according to new figures.

The figures, released by the Lord Chancellor's department, show that in the Cleveland, North Yorkshire and Northumbria police force areas, average times from arrest to sentence have continued to increase since the beginning of the year.

During the third quarter, July to September, it took 64 days in Cleveland, 55 in North Yorkshire and 69 in Northumbria.

All three areas have recorded rises during the past three quarters.

Durham was the only criminal justice area to buck the trend with the average time from arrest to sentence for persistent young offender leveling off at 60 days over the past two quarters.

All four areas are however under the Government target of 71 days.

The Lord Chancellors Department said that the average time across England and Wales stood at 68 days for the third quarter of 2002. This was the fifth consecutive quarter at or below the 71 day Government target.