POLICE have confirmed they are to be part of a new community office in the heart of Swaledale.

Hudson House is due to open in Reeth next year, making the town the third in the Dales to open a one-stop shop for tourists and locals looking for information.

The old Barclays building will include a Tourist Information Centre staffed by National Park workers, details on job vacancies and facilities for paying bills and dealing with inquiries on council matters.

A computer suite with internet access, a youth club and a number of low-cost homes are also part of the project.

Now North Yorkshire Police have announced they will be taking a room in the building, giving their officers somewhere to complete paperwork, conduct interviews and meet the public.

Area commander Sgt Mick Rookes said: "Hudson House is all about the members of a community working together to provide services and support for their own rural area and that sits very closely with our approach to rural policing."

Hawes and Leyburn already operate similar projects, with Middleham's Key Centre also developing a role as a hub for community facilities.

A public meeting will be held in Masham's police house at 7pm tonight to discuss the findings of steering group set up to look at setting up a similar centre in the premises.