INDEPENDENT auditors have given approval to Durham Police Authority's plans for future improvements.

Under the Government's Best Value legislation passed two years ago, police and local authorities must outline details of how they plan to improve the effectiveness and cost-efficiency of its services.

Durham Police Authority's proposals for this year were examined by auditors PricewaterhouseCoopers and were declared a success.

The auditors confirmed that procedures were in place to comply with the statutory requirements, monitor levels of performance and establish a management framework for carrying out Best Value reviews.

In addition, several of the force's Best Value reviews carried out during the last financial review were scrutinised and approved by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC).

The reviews dealt with complaints and discipline procedures, the force's corporate development department and child and family protection issues.

Both the HMIC and auditors complimented the police authority on their "rigorous and successful approach" to Best Value.

Police authority chairman Councillor Joe Knox said: "These reports tell us that we are at the cutting edge of Best Value."

Durham's Chief Constable George Hedges said: "I am pleased we are beginning to achieve some real results because it is results which count for the public.