POLICE have confirmed they are to be involved in 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 Yorkshire Dales to open a one-stop shop for tourists and peple looking for information.

The old Barclays Bank building will include a tourist information centre manned by national park staff, details on job vacancies and facilities for paying bills and dealing with inquiries on council matters.

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

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

Some aspects of the police computer system will be available, offering Hudson House staff the ability to check on lost and found property.

Area commander Sergeant Mick Rookes said: "We are extremely pleased to be invited to join this partnership.

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