ONE of the region's police forces has received the rare accolade of being told it need make no improvements following an inspection.

Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary spent a week running the rule over Durham Constabulary in June, but made no recommendations on changes that should be implemented.

Chief Constable George Hedges said it was the fourth year the force had received what he called "unparalleled'' praise.

He said: "No-one is suggesting the force is perfect. We constantly review what we do and look for better ways of doing it.

"But for an inspecting team to produce a report without a single recommendation for improvement is a stunning and unique accolade, unprecedented in modern policing.''

Her Majesty's Inspector Dan Crompton said in his report that the force, which has cut crime by a third since the mid-1990s and increased its burglary detection rate, could "feel justifiably proud'' of its performance.

He highlighted the clear leadership the force had enjoyed in the past six years, its determination to get the basics right and good communications between senior officers and frontline bobbies.

The inspector said: "Durham as a force has a listening culture that listens to public aspirations and anxieties and takes action."

He added that Durham was a "force that is focused on performance delivery without the frills of academic theory. That stimulates a workforce pulling in one direction.''

The force has invested heavily in extra beat bobbies, keeping officer strength at an all-time high, and developed initiatives to tackle community problems.

Police authority chairman Joe Knox said he was delighted with the report.

A spokesman for the force added: "It is unheard of. Usually there are several pages of recommendations, which have to be carried out unless there are sound arguments for not doing so.''