ASYLUM seekers and ethnic communities are being reassured by a police force that a difference in language should not prove a problem.

Cleveland Police are promising to have an interpreter on line to help within half a minute of an immigrant or non-English speaking visitor making a 999 call.

An initiative being taken at the force's communications centre means speakers of 60 languages who phone the police can be linked up to an appropriate interpreter in 30 seconds.

Superintendent Peter Dale, communications director with Cleveland Police, said: "We feel this new facility will enable us to provide a comprehensive service to people who are experiencing difficulties and need police assistance, but who are disadvantaged because of a language barrier."

The service uses the very latest technology and is available from normal landlines, mobile phones and coins boxes, 24 hours days, seven days a week.

Police officers on the street will also carry a pocket book label with details of the service in case they need to use it to help residents with little or no English.

Scheme coordinators hope that even if a caller can only manage to identify his or her nationality in English they will be able to connect him or her with the relevant interpreter.

Word of the service is being spread through Teesside's ethnic communities through social service departments and refugee support workers.